It is no surprise to see theAustria get through the group stage of a European Championship, for heaven’s sake. But it is certainly surprising to see an Austria playing so well, as they did in the afternoon against the Netherlands, deservedly beating them with a result of 3-2, dominating the first half and also being preferred in the second half. Of course, it must be said that the Dutch defense (especially van Dijk) didn’t have a memorable day, but Sabitzer and his teammates press well, move the ball around quickly, and show enormous intensity.
The final ranking of Group D is certainly a surprise: Austria first, France second and the Netherlands also qualifying but as third best. The beautiful game of Ralf Rangnick is rewarded with the top of the group and at the end of the match the coach expresses all his joy: “The way we reacted to the goals conceded, the fact that we didn’t give in, the fact that we remained faithful to our style of play and the constant search for our opportunities to move forward… all this makes me proud! It’s incredible to finish first in the group which was the most difficult possible based on the UEFA coefficients.”
At the antipodes the state of mind of Ronald Koeman, who blames himself for finishing third in the group: “The responsibility is mine. I put this team together because I thought it was the best. But it was not so. I’m also disappointed in myself since we’re often starting out this way.
