“Football can be cruel sometimes!" - Nathan Ake reacts after Netherlands' Euro 2024 SF loss to England

Netherlands defender Nathan Ake has rued the 'cruel' nature of the game after Ronald Koeman's side bowed out of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 semi-final loss to England on Wednesday (July 10) in Dortmund.

The Oranje had made the perfect start to the contest, with Xabi Simons breaking the deadlock inside seven minutes. But Gareth Southgate's side restored parity with a controversial penalty converted by captain Harry Kane 11 minutes later.

The Three Lions began to grow in confidence as the game wore on and bossed proceedings. Phil Foden struck the woodwork with a brilliant strike, while Bukayo Saka's goal was ruled out for Kyle Walkers being in an offside position while crossing the ball.

Southgate brought on Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins with 10 minutes left. The two combined to score a 90th-minute winner, with Palmer setting up Watkins to send England through.

Nathan Ake rued that it wasn't to be for the Netherlands, who were playing their first Euro semi-final in 20 years, tweeting:

“Football can be cruel sometimes! It wasn’t to be. Thank you to all the fans coming out here in numbers this Tournament! We will be back.”

Nathan Ake had a bright Euro 2024 campaign, contributing two assists in six games.

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This defeat is tough - Nathan Ake's Netherlands teammate Xabi Simons after Euro 2024 defeat to England

Netherlands star Xavi Simons (second right) at Euro 2024

Netherlands midfielder Xabi Simons echoed his teammate Nathan Ake that the defeat to England was a 'tough' one to take. But he's already looking to bigger things with the national team following their impressive run to the semis.

Having contributed a goal and three assists in six games, Simons had a good continental campaign. He noted that the Oranje had chances of their own to win the game, but fatigue eventually put paid to their hopes, telling UEFA.com:

"It's tough, this defeat. I'm really disappointed, I think the team are as well. But this is the start of a journey that's going to be really bright. I'm proud of the team."

"Of course, you want to have the ball and have control of the game, but we know they are a good team and that they want the ball as well. For most of the game we were compact, waiting for them to make a mistake. We had chances to finish them (off), but at the end we were a little bit tired."

England take on favourites Spain in a blockbuster Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday (July 14), hoping to become the newest continental champions and end a 58-year title drought.