Man Utd star Memphis Depay unable to prevent Dutch defeat against Turkey

Turkey - Euro 2024 Turkish Football

The Netherlands suffered a blow to hopes of booking a place at Euro 2016 following a crushing 3-0 defeat against Turkey at the Konya Torku Arena.

Netherlands boss Danny Blind gave Fenerbahçe striker Robin van Persie a start after benching him against Iceland in the last game.

Van Persie joined former Manchester United teammates Daley Blind and Mehphis Depay. Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder also started in a deep midfield role.

Turkey got off to a great start when Arda Turan sliced open a shaky Netherlands defence early in the first half to setup Netherlands born Oğuzhan Özyakup who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for the opening goal.

Turan punished the Dutch defence further when he dispossessed Blind the ball just outside the Netherlands penalty area before a driving run into the box and firing the ball into the back of the net.

Memphis caused Turkey a few nervous moments in the first half with dangerous crosses but the home side rarely allowed him to get shots in at target.

Turkey started the second half setup to protect their lead and defended bravely yet at times recklessly picking up a flurry of yellow cards in the process.

The Crescent-Stars wrapped up a memorable win when Burak Yılmaz netted in the second half – with Caner Erkin doing most of the leg work – stealing the ball and cutting the ball across the penalty area –  to make the score 3-0.

The Netherlands have now suffered back-to-back defeats in Group A unless they make up ground on third placed Turkey they will fail to book a place in the European championships this summer.

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