Ronald Koeman’s men have four points and are assured of qualifying for the knockout stage, yet will look for their first win of Group D in Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Donyell Malen attempts an early strike for the Dutch but his effort misses wide of the far post. Austria immediately respond as Christoph Baumgartner fires an impressive effort that looked for the top corner before it was flagged off as offside, reflecting the intensity in the Netherlands national football team vs Austria national football team standings.
Netherlands
An exciting match ends with Austria claiming a thrilling 3-2 win, living up to their billing as pre-tournament dark horses and outwitting Memphis Depay’s late heroics to claim top spot in Group D. Memphis Depay thought he had saved the Dutch with his stunning volley, only for Marcel Sabitzer to score late and condemn Ronald Koeman’s team to defeat and take victory for themselves.
The Netherlands have made four changes from their team that tied France in their opening match, replacing Denzel Dumfries at right-back with Lutsharel Geertruida, returning Marko Arnautovic in place of Stefan De Vrij and bringing in Joey Veerman for Xavi Simons in midfield. Austria also made changes, replacing Phillipp Mwene at left-back with Alexander Prass while Maximilian Wober has come into central defence instead of Gernot Trauner.
Both teams began by struggling to string together passes in the early going and Schoeten intercepted a long ball from Austria; however, he gave too easily back and the Dutch counterattacked quickly with De Vrij attempting to make his mark down left side but being tackled well by Wimmer for an unsuccessful corner kick.
Austria gradually intensify their pressure as time ticks away, winning a free-kick after Schoeten fouls Schmid and an resulting corner is cleared for throw-in by Verbruggen; Austria quickly start piling on pressure through Prass’ quick crosses before eventually the referee halts play for drinks break.
After the break, the Netherlands finally find their groove and create an opportunity with a swift counter attack. Cody Gakpo on the left flank strikes brilliantly with his right-footed strike – finding its way into the top right corner!
Ten minutes remain and the Netherlands manage to break through to the other side of the pitch and push for an equaliser – yet again only managing another corner that was easily dealt with by Pentz.
After an exhilarating match, Austria has secured their position in Group C and are two points clear of France and Netherlands with an enticing last-16 matchup against England looming should they prevail in remaining games.
Austria
Austria made their Group C match against the Netherlands appear much easier than they should have, storming to victory at Olympiastadion Berlin on Tuesday evening with ease thanks to an early Donyell Malen own goal and subsequent Cody Gakpo equaliser before Romano Schmid scored late on to give Ralf Rangnick’s side six points to lead their group comfortably.
Austria have achieved another significant victory, guaranteeing them one of the four best third-place finishers and an opportunity to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1970. Rangnick’s side, expected to struggle having been drawn alongside Holland and France, should meet one of these opponents during the knockout stage of Euro 2024.
After an uneven start, Ronald Koeman’s men soon began to find their stride and created two opportunities in quick succession early on. First, Ronald Koeman’s side went in search of an early goal but were surprised by a swift counter-attack down the left that saw Bart Verbruggen misjudge a clearance attempt as Bart tried to clear.
Later, the Dutch were punished for costly mistakes in midfield, repeatedly giving away possession and giving away free-kicks cheaply. Furthermore, poor passing saw them lose possession in potentially dangerous areas and increase pressure; further aggravation came when Memphis Depay limped off injured due to Konrad Laimer’s heavy challenge in the 75th minute and had to be replaced with Xavi Simons for the remainder of the match.
Austria will hope Gernot Trauner is fit to return as centre-back, replacing Phillipp Mwene with Alexander Prass on the left side. Otherwise, their team should remain unchanged with Marko Arnautovic likely leading their attack.
Austria were left feeling triumphant by their win, coming almost 36 years to the day since they last won European Championship in 1975. Meanwhile, Dutch must make significant improvements if they hope to reach the last 16. Both teams still have much work to do at this tournament but both showed signs of spirit that could propel them further than expected.
Group C
Austria was initially labeled pre-tournament as one of the dark horses; yet after beating Netherlands at Olympiastadion, they emerged victorious and earned first place. France will move through as runners-up while Oranje may have to settle for one of the top third-placed sides.
Beginning the game with the majority of possession, but their attempts at penetration being blocked time after time by Austria’s well-organized defence, the Dutch are unable to gain an advantage until Cody Gakpo breaks through in the 34th minute with his left-flanker dribbling into space before unleashing a right-footed curler that finds the top corner.
Austria take back the lead through some inspired teamwork. Wimmer collects the ball on the left wing before playing it into Prass who plays into Marko Arnautovic but his header is blocked by Verbruggen.
Just after an hour has passed, both teams take a drinks break as both teams attempt to shake off any signs of fatigue. But there’s plenty more action ahead; Austria is causing Oranje many issues with their aggressive pressing and quick counter-attacks; Ronald Koeman has had to make numerous adjustments throughout this frustrating game.
As the second half begins, Dutch fatigue becomes evident as they are forced onto the back foot for much of it. They eventually win a free-kick on the left wing which Geertruida clears successfully before Malen carries the ball down it and attempts to cross for Depay, forcing the Dutch back onto their heels yet again.
The Dutch are struggling to break into the final third and their lack of creativity is becoming apparent. Romano Schmid is on track to breach their defence once again soon enough.
Last time these teams faced each other in competition was in 1978 when the Oranje prevailed 5-1 during a World Cup qualifier matchup. Before this point they had won four out of eight encounters against their Austrian opponents but have lost half since.
Head-to-Head
After an exciting opening half, both teams exchanged chances without success but remained goalless at halftime. In an action-packed second period, Dutch midfielder Cody Gakpo nearly pulled one back after his close-range volley was flagged by VAR but his effort sailed wide. Austria then took control thanks to Marcel Sabitzer whose left-back broke through to shoot a brilliant effort into the roof of Oranje net – giving Austria its first major tournament win against Oranje since May 1990!
Ralf Rangnick’s side’s victory ensured they would finish top of Group D – an amazing turn around after appearing likely to be eliminated after drawing 1-1 with Poland in their opening match.
Ronald Koeman opted to make several adjustments to his Netherlands team, replacing Joey Veerman and Lutsharel Geertruida with newcomers such as Xavi Simons and Denzel Dumfries – however they struggled to hit their stride and display enough creativity against Austria.
In the final 15 minutes, the Netherlands made an effortful comeback that nearly paid off when Wout Weghorst’s header was disallowed for offside; but their parity would quickly dissipate as Austria took back control.
No matter the absence of key player Gernot Trauner due to injury, Germany’s Bundesliga will expect an aggressive Austria side in Berlin tonight. Their visitors have demonstrated good organization and workrate, with players such as Christoph Baumgartner and Romano Schmid causing havoc for Netherlands defences.
Both teams will look to secure their spots in the last 16, though for the Dutch it must rely on France stumbling against Poland in their match. After this point it will come down to goals scored and head-to-head matches as both battle out for top spot in Group D.
Read Also : Scotland National Football Team vs Hungary National Football Team Standings
