Malen’s own goal and goals from Schmid and Sabitzer give the Austrians first place in the group: Holland confident of being rescued
On the last day of group D of Euro2 024L’Austria surpasses 3-2 L’Holland and achieved an unexpected first place in the group (thanks to the 1-1 draw between France and Poland). The match in Berlin was decided by Malen’s own goal (6′) and by goals from Schmid (59′) and Sabitzer (80′): Gakpo (47′) and Depay (75′) were not enough for the Dutch. Painless defeat for Koeman’s Orange: with 4 points, they are already certain of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
THE MATCH
The Netherlands takes to the pitch in the German capital already knowing that they have qualified for the round of 16, with Austria instead looking for a win or a draw to make it mathematically possible to get through to the round. Koeman changes three men compared to the 0-0 draw against France, while Rangnick changes four, after the beautiful 3-1 against Poland. The start of the race was clearly Austrian in origin. It’s only the 2nd minute when Prass serves a very interesting ball from the left: however, no teammate finds the winning shot in the area. The exact same script repeats itself four minutes later: another cross from Prass from the left and a clumsy deflection from Malen, who thus breaks the deadlock with an own goal. For the entire first half the Netherlands suffered from Austria’s suffocating pressing, appearing lackluster when they managed to build a few chances. It happens in the 14th minute, when Reijnders sensationally wastes a moving penalty, and also in the 23rd minute, when Malen only grazes the post face to face with Pentz. Despite some shivers, Austria continues to be preferred and Koeman then decides to send a signal to his team: Veerman out and Xavi Simons in. We’re only at the 35th minute. More than the Oranje’s, however, the reaction came from Austria, very close to doubling their lead: first Verbruggen rejected a good attempt from Sabitzer and then Arnautovic wasted the easiest of scoring opportunities. The last chance of the first half was Depay’s post, with Gakpo caught offside at the start of the action. We return to the pitch after the break and the same Liverpool striker immediately makes it 1-1: assist from Xavi Simons and winning right-footed shot from Gakpo. It’s definitely another Netherlands, but Austria confirms they are an excellent team and comes back ahead again in the Oranje’s best moment: illuminating cross from Grillitsch for Schmid’s winning shot. Koeman then relies on Weghorst: the Burnley striker creates a great tower for Depay, who makes it 2-2 (goal validated after VAR warning). Is it over here? Not a chance! Austria responds again and immediately takes the lead again 3-2: in the 81st minute Sabitzer hits Verbruggen after a sleeper from the Dutch defense and gives Austria a sensational first place in group D. In the final, a goal by Baumgartner was also disallowed for offside. The Netherlands finishes in third place and will be promoted thanks to their 4 points. France second and Poland last in the group.
THE REPORT CARDS
Gakpo 6.5 – The movement to return to the right with which the goal is constructed is very nice. In the second half he grows and Holland becomes more dangerous. Depay 6.5 – He does a lot of dirty work and creates a splendid goal, coordinating himself in a handkerchief and with applause-worthy speed. Unfortunately for the Oranje, that’s not enough.
Malen 5 – He was unlucky on the occasion that led to his own goal. He is wasteful when he gets the opportunity to equalize on his feet. With his shots he constantly keeps the Austrian defense apprehensive, but he has the demerit of making mistakes in decisive moments.
Sabitzer 7.5 – He is the man of the day, the one who gives Austria a sensational first place in group D, ahead of giants such as France and Holland. Stoic and historical.
Schmidt 7 – Rangnick starts him for the first time in this European Championship and he repays him with a great performance. He presses, runs and above all scores the 2-1 goal. Winning choice.
Arnautovic 5 – He is the shadow of the player seen against Poland. In the first half, a goal that seemed already scored was devoured. In the second he disappears.
THE SCORESHEET
HOLLAND-AUSTRIA 2-3
Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen 6; Geertruida 5.5, de Vrij 5, van Dijk 5, Ake 6 (20′ st Van de Ven 6); Reijnders 6 (20′ st Wijnaldum 6), Schouten 5.5, Veerman 5 (35′ Simons 6); Malen 5 (27′ st Weghorst 6), Depay 6.5, Gakpo 6.5. Available: Bijlow, Flekken, De Ligt, Frimpong, Blind, Brobbey, Maatsen, Zirkzee, Dumfries, Bergwijn, Gravenberch. All.: Koeman
Austria (4-2-3-1): Pentz 6; Posch 5.5, Wober 6, Lienhart 6 (17′ st Laimer 6), Prass 6.5; Seiwald 6, Grillitsch 6.5 (18′ st Querfeld 6); Wimmer 6 (17′ st Baumgartner 6), Sabitzer 7.5, Schmid 7 (47′ st Weimann sv); Arnautovic 5 (33′ st Gregoritsch 6). Available: Lindner, Hedl, Trauner, Danso, Mwene, Kainz, Daniliuc, Seidl, Entrup, Grull. All.: Rangnick
Referee: Kruzliak (Slovakia)
Markers: 6′ author. Malen (O), 2′ st Gakpo (O), 14′ st Schmid (A), 31′ st Depay (O), 36′ st Sabitzer (A)
Ammonites: Posch (A), Wimmer (A), Querfeld (A)
Expelled: Nobody
