'Nightmare' Weghorst makes Dutch dream at Euros

Super-sub Wout Weghorst is a key reason why the Netherlands have reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals against England.

Weghorst, 32, came on for the second half against Turkey on Saturday and gave his side the necessary drive to overturn a 1-0 deficit for a 2-1 victory.

He was fielded as a substitute in all four previous games as well, and scored the 2-1 winner against Poland with his first touch. He also has one assist and despite playing for only 89 minutes his value is immense.

"It's a nightmare when you play against him," team-mate Nathan Aké said of the Burnley striker who played on loan at Germany's Hoffenheim last season.

"He's strong, he's a nuisance in the penalty area and he fights for everything, he runs after everything. He's a great asset for us."

Stefan de Vrij, who scored the equalizer on Saturday, said: "Wout came on, he's always fighting up front and helping the team. We started to play more football and keep the ball."

The Dutch have not been brilliant at the Euros but coach Ronald Koeman has been helped by his options from the bench.

Aké cited the "subs' bench factor" when he said that "we can really achieve something" at the tournament.

Weghorst himself also hopes that the team can go all the way like in 1988 when the Euros were also held in Germany.

"It is really possible. The feeling was always there and it is growing, it is becoming bigger and bigger," Weghorst said.