The Oranje succumbed to a deserved 3-2 defeat in Berlin that means they finish third in Group D and now face a tough path to the final
The Netherlands came into their final Group D game at Euro 2024 with a chance to finish top of the pile, but instead turned in a dismal performance against Austria that resulted in a 3-2 defeat and a third-placed berth which could have a major impact on how far they are able to go in the tournament.
Ronald Koeman's side made a slow start in Berlin, and fell behind inside six minutes as a desperate Donyell Malen poked the ball into his own net. The Borussia Dortmund man had a chance to make amends, however, when he was put through on goal midway through the first half, only to scuff his effort wide.
On the whole, the Oranje were awful in the first half, but Koeman's message at the interval paid immediate dividends as Cody Gakpo curled in a fine equaliser after a swift counter-attack. Despite that, they couldn't pick up any momentum, and Austria retook the lead when Romano Schmid headed in at the back post.
Cheered on by their vocal support in the German capital, the Netherlands got themselves back into the game yet again when Memphis Depay brought down Wout Weghorst's knock-down and fired home. Again, though, their joy was short-lived, as the outstanding Marcel Sabitzer got in behind the Dutch defence and beat Bart Verbruggen from a tight angle for what ended up being the winning goal.
GOAL rates the Netherlands' players from Olympiastadion…
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Bart Verbruggen (5/10):
Perhaps slightly slow to move for Malen's own goal, but was unsighted. Decent save denied Sabitzer in the first half, but should not have been beaten at his near post for the Dortmund midfielder's winner.
Lutsharel Geertruida (3/10):
Like a rabbit in the headlights in the first half as the game looked too big for him. Decision to allow him to come inside in possession led to the equaliser, only for the Feyenoord man to switch off in the build-up to Schmidt's header.
Stefan de Vrij (5/10):
Dragged all over the place by Arnautovic and Sabitzer. Perhaps should have done better with his attempted clearance for Schmidt's goal.
Virgil van Dijk (5/10):
Didn't look overly comfortable, and he was forced to spend a lot of time trying to fix mistakes made by his team-mates. Dropped far too deep to play Sabitzer onside for the winner.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Didn't do much wrong as most of Austria's best attacks came down the opposite flank. Replaced after 65 minutes.
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Jerdy Schouten (4/10):
Looked very lightweight at the heart of the Dutch midfield, and struggled to get near Sabitzer as he roamed in front of the defence.
Joey Veerman (2/10):
Struggled to deal with the Austrian press as he gave the ball away routinely and was unable to influence the game defensively either. Substituted 10 minutes before half-time.
Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):
Carried the ball forward well on a couple of occasions but lacked a penetrative pass. Shot wide twice, including when presented with a very good early chance on the edge of the box.
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Donyell Malen (2/10):
Abysmal in the first half. Scored an own goal after his own lack of work-rate led to Austria getting in behind, and then missed a sitter when given the chance to equalise. Better after the break until he suffered an injury with 20 minutes to go.
Memphis Depay (7/10):
Showed some exquisite touches with his back to goal, and answered his critics with a fine touch and finish to make it 2-2. Set-play deliveries were woeful, however.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
Again the Netherlands' best player and most potent attacker. Scored yet another major tournament goal with a fine curled finish immediately after half-time.
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Xavi Simons (7/10):
Added dynamism to the Dutch midfield after being thrown on before half-time. Set up Gakpo's goal with a driving run.
Georginio Wijnaldum (5/10):
Didn't offer all that much after replacing Reijnders for the final 25 minutes.
Micky van de Ven (6/10):
Replaced Ake and maintained the solidity on the left of defence.
Wout Weghorst (6/10):
FIne header set up Depay's strike, but missed a great headed chance himself to make it 3-3.
Ronald Koeman (3/10):
Initial tactics of sitting off Austria and seemingly not preparing his players for Rangnick's press left a lot to be desired. Early substitution of Veerman and decision to move Geertruida inside both had positive effects, but overall this was an awful day for the ex-Barcelona boss.