Turkiye took the lead through Samet Akaydin's 35th minute header, becoming the seventh different goalscorer for Vincenzo Montella's side in the tournament. 

However, Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Muldur own goal turned things around for Netherlands, setting up a semi-final clash with England next Wednesday. 

Having taken the lead, Turkiye aimed to defend it, but that came with a cost as Ronald Koeman's side ramped up the pressure in the second half. 

Montella's side had 43.4 percent possession and completed 182 passes in the first half, compared to just 37.6 percent and 112 after halftime.

"When we look at the tournament in general, teams that take a 1-0 lead generally sit back," Calhanoglu said. "I don’t know why this is the case, but it was the same for us today. We sat back a lot.

"We conceded two goals in seven minutes, which of course hurt us a little. In the end, we tried to try and had a chance with long balls, but we couldn't take advantage.

"Sometimes things like this happen in football. We need to learn from this. I am proud of everyone."

Turkiye impressed at the tournament, reaching the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time since 2008. 

The nation is set to co-host Euro 2032 along with Italy, and Calhanoglu believes his side can use its experience in Germany to build towards a bright future. 

"As long as we are united, as long as we are together, we can achieve anything. We have always shown this," he said.