BERLIN: Ralf Rangnick’s surprising Austrians sprang a surprise by defeating Netherlands 3-2 in their concluding Group D tie at UEFA Euro 2014 and finishing as table-toppers head of France.
The disappointing Dutch, while already knowing their qualification for the second round was assured, were outplayed and outworked at the Olympiastadion.
Austria’s man-of-the match Marcel Sabitzer, who scored the winning goal, said: “When you win like that, win the group, score the winning goal, it doesn’t get any better than that. Now we need to calm down, clear our heads and then keep attacking.”
Austria’s high-press approach was rewarded in the sixth minute hen Dutch midfielder Donyell Malen sliced the ball past his own goalkeeper.
A lack of concentration cost Austria at the start of the second half with Cody Gakpo equalising on a breakaway but Austria quickly regained command with a powerful header from Romano Schmid.
A rare slice of Depay magic and a VAR check pulled Netherlands level again in the 75th minute but another five and a thundrous drive from Sabitzer sealed their triumph in both match and group.
France finished second after a 1-1 draw with Poland and the Netherlands qualified for the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed finishers.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was an unhappy man.
He said: “Normally we have good defenders. We don’t get a lot of goals against us. Not today. It was awful, very bad, so we did not control the match.
“It’s all about the responsibility to follow your man. If you watch the second and third goals – it’s too easy. It absolutely has to be much better in many ways.”
##########