Euro 2024: Austria Triumphs Over Netherlands in Thrilling Encounter

One of the most iconic days in Dutch history was written 36 years ago on June 25, when a squad from the Netherlands, featuring Rudd Gullit and Marco Van Basten, defeated the Soviet Union 2-0 in the European Championship final.

Unfortunately, the day’s 2024 anniversary wasn’t really a celebration of that one. A thrilling Austrian squad emerged victorious in a legendary match, winning 3-2, yet it remained a strange glimpse of enchantment.

The Netherlands has performed admirably against Austria over the years. The Dutch had emerged victorious in the two teams’ previous seven meetings. Actually, Austria defeated them back in May 1990.

Tuesday, though, was centered around the here and now. Austria had a fantastic start, controlling possession early on, while the Netherlands appeared to have chosen the wrong side of the bed.

Ronald Koeman, the manager of the Netherlands, was pushing his squad to play higher up the pitch, but before they could do so, another own goal in this championship struck devastation. The Dutch team’s passivity ultimately cost them. Donyell Malen (6′ og) felt compelled to attempt to preserve a ball that Alexander Prass had sent into a hazardous location. He was unable to.

If you want to compete with Austria’s excellent counter-press, you must equal them. Whenever they lose control, they regain it quickly. Since Netherlands doesn’t typically play this game, it was quite challenging for them.

Malen missed a penalty kick in the twenty-third minute. He had the chance thanks to a nice reverse pass from Tijjani Reijnders, but his attempt went just wide. He avoided looking at the bench because Koeman was furious. Had they maintained a little poise, they would have drawn even.

Strangely, in the first half hour, Austria made no attempts on the Dutch goal despite having complete control, while the struggling Dutch managed to muster at least two good opportunities.

Koeman’s decision to substitute players after just 35 minutes was indicative of his dissatisfaction with the proceedings. Veerman was replaced by Simons. While the Austrians were doing a good job striking the correct balance, the Dutch play began to become more dynamic.

Marko Arnautovic had a great chance to extend Austria’s advantage in the 38th minute, but he was unable to make the correct contact after the ball dropped at his feet eight yards out.

Also Read: England Clinches Top Spot Despite Scoreless Draw with Slovenia: Euro 2024 Triumph

The Austrians would have been undoubtedly the happier team at halftime. Prass, a former left winger who is currently a left-back, appeared to be involved at both ends of the ball and had an especially strong first half. While advancing, he assisted Austria, but Malen also presented him with some defensive difficulties.

Austria’s task in the second half would be to somehow sustain their high levels of effort. However, Netherlands scored their equalizer before they could take a seat.

They accomplished it in the quintessential Austrian fashion: they recovered the ball fast, countered, and Cody Gakpo (47′) displayed remarkable poise to put it in. Koeman’s halftime speech had an immediate impression.

Austria appeared to be rattled by the goal, but just when you thought the Netherlands were gaining the upper hand, Austria scored on their opening attack of the half. After a skillfully executed play, Stefan De Vrij deflected a strong header from Romano Schmid (59′) into the goal.

However, when Memphis Depay (75′) helped the Dutch find the net, things really heated up. The match was evenly balanced again after a VAR check for handball turned up nothing.

However, this was not a game for the weak, and the Austrians were determined to win before they left for home. Marcel Sabitzer made a smooth move in the 80th minute, running on to a clever through ball and firing it in.

After winning Group D, Austria will now play the second-place team from Group F on Tuesday in Leipzig. On Monday in Dusseldorf, the runners-up from Group E will take on France, who were second in Group D. As the best third-placed team, the Netherlands have advanced to the knockout stages and, should the Three Lions win Group C, they would currently play England.

Above all, though, this was the kind of game that best illustrated why nobody was interested in playing this Austrian team. They always play to win, they play hard, and they put on a show.