Netherlands v Austria LIVE: Result and analysis as Dutch finish third and could face England after defeat
Netherlands 2-3 Austria: Ralf Rangnick’s side grab first spot in Group D after an exhilarating encounter in Berlin
Euro 2024 Group D reached its conclusion on Tuesday evening as Austria powered past the Netherlands in an enthralling encounter in Berlin.
Ralf Rangnick’s side grabbed an early lead after Donyell Malen turned a cross into his own net, and they dominated much of the first 45 as the Netherlands wasted a couple of chances to equalise.
The second half began in the opposite manner, with Cody Gakpo curling an equaliser past Pentz within five minutes of the restart. The Dutch began to impose themselves on the match, but they were behind again before they knew it as Romano Schmid guided a header past Verbruggen.
With both teams pressing to gain an advantage, the Netherlands were briefly back into it after Depay poked an effort past Pentz, but their parity was once more short-lived. Baumgartner threaded in a pass to Sabitzer, who broke through and rifled an effort into the roof of the Dutch net.
The Netherlands pushed for an equaliser as full-time loomed but Austria held firm to take three points in the German capital, and with them first place in Group D.
Follow all the reaction from Netherlands v Austria below.
Team news
Gernot Trauner is the only doubt for either side, with the Austrian defender going off injured in his team’s last match after having scored. If he misses out, Kevin Danso will likely come back in.
Otherwise, Austria should line up largely the same with Marko Arnautovic leading the attack. Netherlands have choices to make in midfield - where Koeman shuffled his pack last time - and perhaps up front, with Memphis Depay not looking sharp or fully fit in the tournament yet.
Memphis ‘convinced’ he can deliver for Dutch, says Koeman
Koeman added that Memphis was also not satisfied with his own performance and that the player believes things can and should be improved.
“He does have a history of injuries, of course, so I didn’t expect him to be in top form for the tournament. But it is clear that things have to improve.
”I think that as a coach you always try to help players to improve, to put them in situations where they grow and gain confidence.”
But Koeman said he did not think Memphis was struggling with confidence.
“He is convinced of himself, and I’ve told him too he has a very important role because he’s a player who normally adds value. The team needs him.”
Memphis Depay set to continue despite poor form
Netherlands’ top scorer Memphis Depay will likely play against Austria tonight after a vote of confidence from coach Ronald Koeman, despite his poor form at the tournament in Germany.
Memphis has been criticised for his performances in their first two Group D games even if the Dutch have taken four of a possible six points and all but assured themselves of a berth in the last 16.
But the 30-year-old, with 45 goals in 94 appearances for his country, will lead the attack as Koeman said he was seeking to beat Austria in Berlin and finish top of the table.
”For me it is not up for discussion, he will play. It is not without reason that he is the top scorer for the Netherlands,” Koeman said on Monday.
Group D results so far
Hamburg: Poland 1-2 Netherlands
Dusseldorf: Austria 0-1 France
Berlin: Poland 1-3 Austria
Leipzig: Netherlands 0-0 France
June 25, Berlin: Netherlands v Austria (1700)
June 25, Dortmund: France v Poland (1700)
Group D permutations
Netherlands: The Netherlands and France are guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds after reaching four points after their first two games. The Dutch will be guaranteed a place in the top two if they avoid defeat to Austria, and will top the group if they win and better France’s result against Poland. They cannot finish any lower than third, with Poland already knocked out and confirmed as fourth before the final round of fixtures.
France: Can confirm their place in the top two if they avoid defeat to Poland, but Les Bleus will be looking to top the group and can do so if they win and the Netherlands don’t against Austria. If France and the Netherlands both win, it will go down to goal difference and then goals scored as the head-to-head is level.
Austria: Ralf Rangnick’s side can only finish in the top two if they defeat the Netherlands. They can go through to the last-16 even if they lose, unless they lose by four goals or more.
Poland: Defeats to France and Austria put Poland at the mercy of France and the Netherlands in Leipzig, and a draw between the group leaders confirmed Poland as the first country to be knocked out of Euro 2024. They will finish fourth, regardless of their result against France on the final day.
Netherlands v Austria: Predicted line-ups
So here’s how we expect the two teams to line up tonight.
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake, Reijnders, Schouten, Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo, Depay.
Austria: Pentz, Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene, Laimer, Seiwald, Wimmer, Baumgartner, Sabitzer, Arnautovic.
Austria team news
Gernot Trauner is the only doubt for either side, with the Austrian defender going off injured in his team’s last match after having scored. If he misses out, Kevin Danso will likely come back in. Otherwise, Austria should line up largely the same with Marko Arnautovic leading the attack.
Netherlands team news
Netherlands have choices to make in midfield - where Ronald Koeman shuffled his pack last time - and perhaps up front, with Memphis Depay not looking sharp or fully fit in the tournament yet. But the manager has given his striker a vote of confidence and Memphis is expected to start once more.
How to watch Netherlands v Austria
The match kicks off at 5pm BST tonight, Tuesday 25 June, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
This game will be shown live on BBC Two and can be streamed via the iPlayer or the BBC Sport website. You can find a full list of which channel is showing each match here.
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Netherlands v Austria
Netherlands have impressed in spells at Euro 2024 but look yet to fully hit their stride throughout an entire match - which makes the fact they’ve already earned four points to seal their progression to the last 16 more impressive.
Ronald Koeman’s side haven’t quite clicked in the final third but a goalless draw with France following a late win over Poland puts them in the driving seat to top Group D for now.
Austria present formidable opposition though, impressing under Ralf Rangnick with good organisation, plenty of work rate and a goal threat from several angles, including the in-form Christoph Baumgartner.
Victory for Austria will see them through in at least second place, and even if they lose they may yet progress - but they’re certain to go through with a draw or better, which is no doubt what Rangnick will be instructing them to aim for.
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