Spain or France? Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman reveals who he wants to avoid in Euro 2024 final

Ronald Koeman says he would rather see his Netherlands side play Spain instead of France in the Euro 2024 final.

The Netherlands came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in their quarter final on Saturday evening, which has set up a semi-final tie against England at 8pm on Wednesday.

In the other Euro 2024 semi final on Tuesday night, Spain will play France to decide who will reach the final on July 14.

The Netherlands drew 0-0 with France in their second game in Group D on June 21 and for that reason, Koeman admits he would prefer to play Spain in the final if his team manage to beat England in the semis.

‘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.

‘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.’

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