Austria produced a hugely impressive performance that will make others take notice at Euro 2024 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 as Marcel Sabitzer’s strike secured the victory.
The Austrians had been gifted a sixth-minute lead when Donyell Malen turned home Alexander Prass’s dangerous cross.
And, although Malen had a chance at redemption but scuffed his shot, Austria took control as the Netherlands struggled to get a touch of the ball at times.
Rangnick’s side had chances to add to their lead through Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic, but the Netherlands were level just 75 seconds into the second half.
The Dutch came out fighting in the second half and equalised when Cody Gakpo curled in a great finish.
That prompted a shift in tempo and Austria were holding on as Virgil van Dijk’s header deflected over the bar.
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 when his close-range volley survived a check for handball by the video assistant referee, but Sabitzer had the final say when he broke through and drove into the roof of the net to send the Austrian fans wild.
BBC