Austria’s dynamic and high-energy play propelled them into the last 16 of the European Championship on Tuesday. A thrilling 3-2 win over the Netherlands not only secured their progression but also clinched the top spot in Group D. The Netherlands also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, despite conceding an early own goal, displaying a lackluster first-half performance, and succumbing to a late goal by Marcel Sabitzer for Austria.
In the other group match held in Dortmund, France was held to a 1-1 draw by Poland. With this result, Austria topped the group with six points, followed by France with five, and the Netherlands with four points. Kylian Mbappe’s penalty was countered by Robert Lewandowski’s spot kick as already-eliminated Poland held France. Mbappe opened the scoring in the 56th minute with his first European Championship goal – also the first for France at Euro 2024 – after a penalty was awarded for Jakub Kiwior’s foul on Ousmane Dembele.
However, Dayot Upamecano fouled Polish substitute Karol Swiderski, allowing Lewandowski to equalize from the penalty spot in the 79th minute. His first attempt was saved by Mike Maignan, who was ruled to have moved off his line prematurely.
At Olympiastadion, Austria took an early lead when Donyell Malen scored an own goal just six minutes into the game. Cody Gakpo equalized for the Netherlands shortly after halftime. Romano Schmid then put Austria ahead again before the hour mark, only for Memphis Depay to level the score in the 75th minute. Sabitzer’s late goal secured Austria’s victory and the group lead. The standings changed multiple times throughout the match, highlighting the competitiveness of the group.
Austria will next face the Group F runners-up, while France and the Netherlands await their round of 16 opponents. Malen’s own goal occurred during his first start of the tournament, as he attempted to intercept a cross from Alexander Prass but inadvertently scored past his own goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Malen’s Miss
Malen had a chance to redeem himself in the 23rd minute but missed a clear opportunity after receiving a perfect pass that left him one-on-one with goalkeeper Patrick Pentz. Before this, Tijjani Reijnders had also missed a chance to equalize in the 14th minute.
Concerns over losing midfield battles and frequent turnovers led to Joey Veerman being substituted for Xavi Simons with 10 minutes left in the first half. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman showed visible frustration as Austria’s aggressive pressing caused numerous errors.
Austria could have doubled their lead before halftime, with Verbruggen making a crucial save against Sabitzer and denying Marko Arnautovic a chance on goal.
In the second half, the Netherlands came out strong, with Simons driving through the middle and passing to Gakpo, who curled the ball into the net after receiving too much space from Philipp Lienhart.
Just as the Netherlands seemed to gain control, Austria struck again in the 59th minute. Florian Grillitsch’s pullback from the byline set up a header for Schmid, which was deflected into the net by Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij. Substitute Wout Weghorst made an immediate impact, setting up Depay’s goal, which was initially ruled out for handball but later awarded after a VAR check.
Austria regained the lead five minutes later when Sabitzer scored from a tight angle after a well-timed run and a pass through the middle, sealing Austria’s place at the top of Group D.
