my Radio G-Live 2024 Euros Update: Austria defeats Netherlands to top Group D; France draws with Poland.
Written by GliveRadio Accra on June 25, 2024
Austria delivered an impressive performance at Euro 2024, defeating the Netherlands to advance to the Round of 16 as Group D winners. Despite being in a tough group with the Dutch and France, Ralf Rangnick’s team secured victories in two out of three matches, securing the top spot in the standings.
The Netherlands had already secured their spot in the Round of 16 but will now advance as one of the best third-placed teams, with France finishing second in the group.
Austria’s victory was well-deserved, showcasing their spirit and determination throughout the match. They responded emphatically to the Netherlands’ strong start in the second half, with Marcel Sabitzer’s goal sealing the win.
Austria took an early lead in the sixth minute when Donyell Malen converted Alexander Prass’s dangerous cross.
Rangnick’s team had opportunities to extend their lead with chances falling to Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic, but the Netherlands swiftly leveled the score just 75 seconds into the second half.
The Dutch responded strongly after halftime, equalizing through a superb curling finish by Cody Gakpo.
However, Austria weathered the storm and regained the lead with Romano Schmid’s powerful header, which unfortunately for Stefan de Vrij, ended up over the line with his inadvertent help.
Memphis Depay initially thought he secured a draw for the Dutch with a close-range volley, surviving a video assistant referee check for handball. However, Sabitzer had the final say, breaking through to drive a shot into the roof of the net, sparking wild celebrations among Austrian fans.
Meanwhile, a masked Kylian Mbappe scored his first-ever Euros goal, but France was held to a draw by already-eliminated Poland, settling for second place in Group D.
France needed all three points in order to seal top spot, but Robert Lewandowski’s 79th-minute penalty cancelled out Mbappe’s spot-kick 11 minutes into the second half.
The runner-up in Group E awaits Didier Deschamps’ side, who now occupy the same half of the draw as Portugal, Spain and Germany.
