In a dramatic finale to UEFA Euro 2024 Group D matches, Austria trumped the Netherlands in a thrilling encounter while Poland managed to hold France to a draw, preventing Les Bleus from topping the group.
Amid roaring fans at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Austria etched an emphatic win over the Netherlands to clinch the top spot in Group D. The nail-biting match concluded with a last-gasp 3-2 victory, marking an unexpected outcome that shook the football community.
The match began with an unexpected twist just six minutes in when Dutch forward Donyell Malen inadvertently directed Alexanders Prass’ cross into his own net, gifting Austria an early lead. Despite the unfortunate start, Ronald Koeman’s side maintained composure and mounted several promising attacks. However, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders missed crucial chances to equalize as the first half progressed.
Austria, not satisfied with their early lead, continually tested Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Marcel Sabitzer’s low shot in the 38th minute was particularly threatening, forcing Verbruggen to make a critical save. As the half-time whistle blew, Austria held onto their slim 1-0 advantage.
The Dutch emerged from the half-time break with renewed vigor and quickly capitalized. Just two minutes into the second half, Xavi Simons orchestrated a swift counterattack and set up Cody Gakpo, who skillfully curled the ball into the far corner, drawing the Netherlands level. The equalizer sent the Dutch fans into a frenzy and injected hope into their national squad.
However, Austria responded decisively. In the 60th minute, Florian Grillitsch delivered a pinpoint cross that Romano Schmid headed home, restoring Austria’s lead. The pulsating action saw the Netherlands once again draw level in the 75th minute when Memphis Depay converted a header from Wout Weghorst’s assist.
The clash appeared destined for a draw until Marcel Sabitzer’s last-minute heroics. Sabitzer, seizing on a well-crafted play by Christoph Baumgartner, slotted home a tight-angle shot to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory for Austria.
. The win not only gave Austria the three points but also saw them finish atop Group D.
“The team showed a great will today. They always came back and that against a strong opponent which is remarkable. In the end, we secured a deserved victory here. It is unbelievable that we have won this group after starting with a defeat,” Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick commented after the match, applauding his players’ resilience and determination.
In the other decisive Group D encounter, France faced Poland with hopes of securing the top spot in the group. French star Kylian Mbappe drew first blood, netting an early goal that seemed to put France on course for another victory.
However, Poland’s seasoned striker Robert Lewandowski had other plans. Lewandowski’s experience shone through as he leveled the score, negating Mbappe’s effort and ensuring Poland earned a share of the spoils. Despite France’s dogged attempts to break the deadlock, the Polish defense held firm, and the match concluded in a 1-1 draw.
The result left France in second place with five points, just behind Austria. The Netherlands, despite their efforts, finished third with four points, while Poland brought up the rear with a solitary point. This surprising outcome from the group stages sets an intriguing precedent for the knockout rounds of Euro 2024.
“I would like to thank the fans for showing up today despite us being eliminated. We fought until the end, and we had some really good spells,” said Poland coach Michal Probierz, reflecting on the match and expressing gratitude to the supporters.
Austria’s unexpected triumph and Poland’s resilient display against France have sent ripples throughout the tournament, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football and setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling continuation of Euro 2024.
