Netherlands 2 – 3 Austria

Austria deservedly edged a five-goal thriller towards the Netherlands to qualify for the final 16 of Euro 2024 as Group D winners.

Ralf Rangnick’s well-organised and spectacular facet have been twice pegged again in an entertaining contest in Berlin however Marcel Sabitzer had the ultimate say 10 minutes from time.

A Donyell Malen personal purpose gave Austria an early lead with Romano Schmid placing them again in entrance after a Cody Gakpo leveller.

Memphis Depay scored the Netherlands’ second equaliser however it was not sufficient as Austria ended up leapfrogging each them and runners-up France, who have been held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in Dortmund.

How Austria upset the chances to win Group D

Each nations knew development to the final 16 was all however confirmed heading into their last Group D fixture. The Netherlands’ spot within the subsequent spherical was already assured – no less than as the most effective third-placed groups – whereas Austria knew even a defeat would see them qualify in third except they misplaced by a five-goal margin.

However with the highest two positions within the group nonetheless up for grabs, each side wished to complete with a victory and it was Austria who regarded set to just do that when Malen diverted Alexander Prass’ harmful cross into his personal web within the sixth minute.

Rangnick’s facet continued to impress each out and in of possession however the Netherlands responded nicely and will have equalised halfway by way of the primary half, just for Malen to tug a shot huge when performed by way of by Tijjani Reijnders, who had earlier missed the goal himself.

Austria remained harmful and virtually doubled their benefit late within the half, however Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen saved out Sabitzer’s long-range drive earlier than Marko Arnautovic didn’t make contact with the ball from a number of yards out after Florian Grillitsch’s effort was deflected into his path.

The Austrians deservedly led at half-time however the Netherlands hit again instantly after the break. Lutsharel Geertruida’s wonderful deal with gave first-half substitute Xavi Simons the possibility to drive ahead and his last go was rounded off emphatically by Liverpool ahead Gakpo (47).

The Dutch had lastly gained some momentum however they weren’t degree for lengthy. Their equaliser didn’t faze Austria they usually retook the lead by way of Schmid, who headed in Grillitsch’s pinpoint cross through a Stefan de Vrij deflection (59).

Depay thought he had introduced the Netherlands degree once more when he managed and volleyed in substitute Wout Weghorst’s knock-down within the seventy fifth minute, just for the purpose to be instantly dominated out for handball. Nonetheless, replays confirmed that was not the case and referee Ivan Kruzliak overturned his choice after being suggested by the VAR to overview the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Whereas the Dutch had hopes of discovering a late winner, Austria had different concepts and went forward for the third time within the match simply 5 minutes later by way of Sabitzer, who was performed by way of exquisitely by substitute Christoph Baumgartner earlier than smashing an effort previous Verbruggen from the tightest of angles.

There was nonetheless time for Baumgartner to have a purpose disallowed for offside and Weghorst to ship a diving header over the bar earlier than the nation ranked twenty fifth on this planet have been confirmed as Group D winners, with the Netherlands having to settle as the most effective third-placed qualifiers.

Rangnick: An unimaginable feat to complete prime

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick mentioned: “We deserved to win in the long run. Total, we had the higher will to win and an excessive power output on the pitch, which you might really feel in each section of the match.

“The way in which we reacted to the targets we conceded, that we did not bend, that we stayed true to our fashion of play and always saved searching for out our probabilities going ahead.

“It is unimaginable to complete prime of a bunch that was the toughest attainable primarily based on UEFA coefficients.

“We began with an unfortunate personal purpose towards France, handled all of the stress placed on us to win towards Poland, after which to finish as group winners is one thing very particular.”

Koeman: We deserved to lose

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman mentioned: “We began very badly in lots of elements. There have been many openings for the opponent. We weren’t aggressive and there was a scarcity of stress on the opponents.

“It was very unhealthy. We didn’t management the match early. In a while we carried out barely higher and we had a number of alternatives, however they punished us.

“We have now to take duty on the pitch; we’re not entitled to get a greater end result.

“We knew earlier than the match that if we end third we’d get an enormous nation within the subsequent spherical. We are going to wait and see what occurs.”

Evaluation: Harmful Austria will not concern anybody

Sky Sports activities’ Dan Sansom:

Ralf Rangnick admitted there was doubt among the many gamers when he was employed as Austria’s supervisor in 2022, however the 65-year-old has now led the nation to back-to-back wins at a serious match for the primary time for the reason that 1982 World Cup – and he is finished so in superb fashion.

Often called one of many godfathers of “gegenpressing”, the German has left a everlasting mark on trendy soccer and Austria’s present squad is excelling below his steering.

Their aggressive, front-foot strategy noticed them carry out nicely in a slim loss to France and extra eye-catching shows adopted in deserved wins over Poland and the Netherlands.

Whereas Austria’s tireless working and fluid motion triggered the Dutch fixed issues in Berlin, their never-say-die perspective – instilled by Rangnick – was equally as spectacular.

Many will view a rustic ranked twenty fifth on this planet as a shock package deal at this match, however Austria have now misplaced simply twice in 19 matches.

Rangnick’s facet are a pressure to be reckoned with. They will not concern anybody within the knockout stage.

Who faces who within the final 16?

Austria will face the runners-up in Group F (presently Turkey) within the final 16, with France dealing with the runners-up in Group E (presently Belgium).

The Netherlands’ subsequent opponents usually are not but confirmed. They might face Group B winners Spain, Group C winners England or Group E winners (presently Romania).

As soon as the 4 greatest third-placed groups have been decided, UEFA then allocates every nation to a last-16 tie consistent with its rules.

How does rating third-placed groups work?

The highest two groups from every of the six teams will proceed to the spherical of 16.

These 12 sides will likely be joined by 4 of the six third-placed finishers within the teams. The perimeters ending third will likely be positioned right into a league desk, with the highest 4 sides progressing to the final 16.

The groups that end third of their respective teams are ranked so as of the next standards, beginning with:

1. Factors
2. Objective distinction
3. Objectives scored
4. Wins
5. Decrease disciplinary factors complete
6. European Qualifiers general rating

The match then strikes to a straight knockout format, with one-legged ties – together with extra-time and penalties if obligatory – till two sides attain the ultimate on July 14 in Berlin.

Opta stats: Sabitzer makes historical past for Austria

• Marcel Sabitzer grew to become the primary Austrian to play 10 matches on the European Championships, scoring his first purpose within the competitors from his twenty second shot.
• Austria have ended a run of seven consecutive defeats to the Netherlands in all competitions, with this their first victory since a 3-2 pleasant win in 1990.
• Austria scored their sixth purpose at Euro 2024, their most in any version of the European Championships and their most in a serious match for the reason that 1978 World Cup.
• Cody Gakpo has scored 5 of the Netherlands’ final eight group-stage targets at main tournaments, with no different Dutch participant netting greater than as soon as in these matches.

Stats: Story of the match

Group D last outcomes…