Disaster for the Netherlands. In an excellent position to clinch first place in Group D, after their success against Poland and their draw against France, the Dutch will ultimately have to settle for third. Feverish this Tuesday in Berlin, they lost to a surprising Austria (2-3), who perfectly controlled the start and end of the match, and made Ronald Koeman’s men suffer.
This splendid success allows the Austrians to seize first place, ahead of France, and to qualify for the round of 16 for the second time after the 2021 edition of the Euro. They were then beaten in overtime by Italy, future European champion. This time, they will face the second in Group F, currently dominated by Portugal (6 points) and Turkey (3 points).
But whatever the adversary, this Austria has arguments to put forward. Solid defensively and calm in the construction of the game, the men of Ralf Rangnick, the former Manchester United coach, put their foot on the ball from the kick-off and slowly looked for the opening. It was ultimately an own goal, the 7th of this Euro 2024, which delivered them. Returning to defense to help his teammates, Donyell Malen tried to block a low cross and deflected the ball into the net from Bart Verbruggen (7th, 0-1).
Sabitzer delivers Austria
If the Dutch came back into the game, it was far too timid. Tijani Reijnders first benefited from a ball at the penalty point but completely missed his shot (14th). Donyell Malen then blocked his attempt with his left foot when he was alone against Patrick Pentz (23rd). The equalizer finally came at the start of the second half via a nice acceleration from Xavi Simons. Entering the game in the 35th minute, the striker, under contract at PSG, shifted Cody Gakpo to the left side, who fired a nice shot into the opposite net (47th).
The match then got heated. The Austrians first regained the advantage, via a powerful header from Romano Schmid on a cross from Florian Grillitsch at the penalty point (59th). Memphis Depay responded with a beautiful chest control-volley sequence with his right foot (75th). Canceled at first, this achievement was finally validated by the goalkeeper after video analysis. But the joy was very short-lived as Marcel Sabitzer sent a heavy strike into the ceiling of the Dutch goal (80th).
Third, the Batavians could face heavy action in the round of 16. Spain is a possible opponent, as is the 1st in group E (with Belgium) or group C (with England). They will only know the verdict this Wednesday evening after the end of the group stage.
