New Delhi: The Netherlands are searching for just one point for an assured place in the knockouts when they meet Austria for their final Group D fixture of UEFA Euro 2024 in Olympiastadion, Berlin (Tuesday, June 25).
This is a crucial game for the Netherlands, as they stand second in the group, behind France, with four points on board. They started their tournament with a 2-1 win over Poland and played an impressive 0-0 draw against France.
If they qualify, the Netherlands will reach the knockouts for the eighth time in their last nine appearances in European Championships. Xavi Simons appeared in the 69th minute and almost broke the deadlock against France after a masterful forward shot into the bottom corner. However, following a lengthy VAR check, the strike was ultimately ruled out for offside.
The decision has been deemed controversial, as Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries was ruled to have interfered with Maignan’s dive. Some experts have said that Dumfries was not in Maignan’s line of sight. Which means he did not affect the play. Quite a few believed his presence was enough to distract the goalkeeper.
Ronal Koeman’s side is still within reach of qualifying for the final 16. If they can avoid defeat against Austria, they will move on to the knockout stages. If they win and France draws with Poland, they will ensure they end up at the top of the Group. They draw, and France’s win will ensure they finish in the top two in the Group. A defeat will ensure Netherlands’ participation as the third-placed finisher.
Netherlands have been on an impressive unbeaten streak in the group matches at major tournaments since the 2014 World Cup, winning nine of 11 and scoring in each game except Friday’s goalless encounter with Les Bleus.
Having not won against the Netherlands since 1990, Austria will secure qualification for the last 16 if it breaks this long-standing drought on Tuesday evening. If they win and France fails to do so, they will finish with maximum points.
If they draw and Les Bleus loses, Austria will finish third in the Group. Even a single point would have been enough for Austria to reach the European Championship knockout rounds as the third-placed team. This will also mean they will participate in back-to-back knockout stages of the European Championship.
Team news
Ronald Koeman should have an entire squad for the Netherlands’ final group fixture. Ajax striker Brian Brobbey was back on the bench for the France game after regaining fitness from a hamstring injury.
Koeman replaced PSV midfielder Joey Veerman with Jeremie Frimpong as the only change for their Friday game. With qualifications in sight, they may consider a few more chances.
Along with Veerman, his clubmate Jerdy Schouten is one booking away from suspension, which can influence team selection. This may prompt the Dutch manager to choose Ryan Gravenberch or Georginio Wijnaldum to join Tijjani Reijnders.
Memphis Depay is six goals away from becoming the highest goal scorer for his nation. He hasn’t performed well in the Euros and has a replacement available in Wout Weghorst. However, Koeman has backed his Centre-Forward to perform soon.
Virgil van Dijk at the back made eight clearances in their draw against France, which is the most by a Netherlands player in a group game at the European Championship since 2008. The Liverpool stalwart will also likely captain his national team again in this game.
Rangnick experimented with his starting XI in Austria’s victory over Poland. There could be more changes that cannot be ruled out on Tuesday. In their game against France, Max Wobber was paired with Kevin Danso in the central defence. However, Gernot Trauner and Philipp Lienhart stepped to the side against Poland. Trauner was forced off the field with a muscular problem after opening the scoring tally. His fitness is still in doubt.
Christoph Baumgartner was named the ‘Man of the Match’ so he will most likely feature in Tuesday’s game. Austria’s all-time highest goal scorer, Marko Arnautovic, could spearhead the Austrian attack. Captain Marcel Sabitzer will make his 10th major tournament appearance for his side. His fellow midfielder Nicolas Seiwad, in two games this edition, has recovered possession 11 times and made 10 tackles. He is yet to concede a foul.
Head to Head
Netherlands have won nine games and lost nine against Netherlands. The two teams have played four games. Netherlands have won their last seven games against Austria and are favourites in this contest again. This is Austria’s longest ongoing sequence against a single opponent.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay
Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Laimer; Wimmer, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Gregoritsch
When, where and how to watch the Netherlands vs Austria match in India?
The Netherlands vs Austria UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 9:30 pm IST tonight.
Netherland and Austria will both fight it out for a top two finish in Group D of Euro 2024 Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
