In-Form Austria produced a hugely impressive performance as they beat the Netherlands to progress to the last 16 as Group D winners.
Despite being handed a tough draw with the Dutch and France, Ralf Rangnick’s side won two of their three games to finish top of the standings.
The Netherlands had already guaranteed their progression to the last 16 but they will now go through as one of the best third-placed sides, with France second.
This was a fully deserved win for Austria as they played with spirit and desire throughout, and showed great determination to respond to a fast start to the second-half by the Netherlands with Marcel Sabitzer securing the victory for them
The Austrians had been gifted a sixth-minute lead when Donyell Malen turned home Alexander Prass’s dangerous cross.
The Dutch came out fighting in the second half and equalised when Cody Gakpo curled in a great finish.
But Austria weathered the storm and retook the lead through Romano Schmid’s powerful header, which the unfortunate Stefan de Vrij could only help over the line.
Memphis Depay thought he had earned the Dutch a draw with a close-range volley but Sabitzer had the final say when he broke through and drove into the roof of the net to send the Austrian fans wild.
They won their final two games of 2023 and continued that with victory in three of their four games prior to travelling to Germany.
This game came 36 years to the day since the Netherlands won the European Championship, but they know they are going to have to play much better to repeat that success in Germany
Euro 24: Austria Stun Netherlands To Top Group D
