Marcel Sabitzer’s late goal secured Austria’s progression to the Euro 2024 knockout stage as group winners in a thrilling 3-2 triumph over the Netherlands on Tuesday.
Austria secured the top spot in Group D following a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, with France drawing 1-1 against Poland in the group’s other match. Both France and the Netherlands had already secured advancement to the next stage.
Austria took an early lead when Dutch forward Donyell Malen inadvertently scored an own goal in the sixth minute.
The Dutch responded early in the second half, with substitute Xavi Simons assisting Cody Gapko to level the score just two minutes after the break. However, Romano Schmid’s header in the 59th minute restored Austria’s lead.
Memphis Depay equalized for the Netherlands with a superb finish in the 75th minute, surviving a VAR review after a handball suspicion by referee Ivan Kruzliak was dismissed.
Marcel Sabitzer then secured the victory for Austria two minutes later with a powerful strike from a tight angle.
Despite a frenetic finale with chances at both ends, Sabitzer’s goal proved decisive, ensuring Austria’s top position in Group D.
