Ronald Koeman believes he would like to see Spain play in the Euro 2024 final rather than France with his Netherlands team.
In their quarterfinal match on Saturday night, the Netherlands overcame a late deficit to defeat Turkey 2-1.
This resulted in a semi-final match against England on Wednesday at 8 p.m. To determine who advances to the final on July 14, Spain and France will meet in the second Euro 2024 semifinal on Tuesday night.
In light of the Netherlands’ 0-0 draw with France in their Group D opener on June 21, Koeman concedes that, should his team get past England to the semifinals, he would much rather play Spain in the championship game.
‘I think for the whole nation it’s something special,’ Koeman said after the Netherlands’ win against Turkey.
‘We are a small nation and we are part of the semi final with England, France and Spain and we are really proud to get the opportunity to play in the semi final on Wednesday.
‘We had to suffer tonight [against Turkey] but that’s the whole Euro, there is not an easy one.
‘First of all, we need to fight first to win the semi final.
‘I think in life it’s not the question when something happens, it will be a great night on Wednesday between two big nations, history wise.
‘If we play in the final, my personal preference, of course, is Spain because we had France in the group.
EURO 2024 FIXTURES
SEMI-FINALS
Spain vs France (July 9, 8pm)
Netherlands vs England (July 10, 8pm)
FINAL
Spain or France vs Netherlands or England (July 14, 8pm)
‘But first of all we need to prepare ourselves in the best way to play the semi final.’
Koeman also played down suggestions that extra time and penalties against Switzerland will cause extra fatigue for England ahead of the semi final.
‘If you win the match that always gives a good feeling,’ Koeman said.
‘We need to recover, like England. It is not a physical difference between them and us.
‘We played on the same day, we need to travel like them. It is not the physical [aspect] that will decide the result.’