Netherlands 2-3 Austria: Sabitzer strike ensures group win in five-goal thriller

Marcel Sabitzer’s stunning effort ensured Austria finished as winners of Euro 2024 Group D following an enthralling encounter against the Netherlands in Berlin.

Ronald Koeman’s side twice came from behind thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, but the Austria captain had the final say on Tuesday.

Austria opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Donyell Malen’s attempt to cut out Alexander Prass’ cross ended up in his own net.

Malen almost atoned for his earlier error but could only scuff his shot wide of Patrick Pentz’s far post.

But it took the Oranje just 71 seconds to restore parity after the break as Xavi Simons laid the ball off for Gakpo to curl home his 11th international goal.

However, the Dutch joy was short-lived as Austria retook the lead 12 minutes later when Florian Grillitsch found Romano Schmid, who headed in, despite the best efforts of Stefan de Vrij on the line.

Depay’s stunning effort levelled proceedings once more, with the goal given after a VAR check, with referee Ivan Kruzliak initially disallowing it for handball.

But the decider came 10 minutes from time, with captain Sabitzer picked out by Christoph Baumgartner before firing the ball high into the Netherlands net, with the Dutch condemned to third place and a possible meeting with England.

67% – Two thirds (18/27) of all own goals scored in UEFA European Championship history have come in the last two editions – 11 in EURO 2020 and seven so far at #EURO2024. Blunder. pic.twitter.com/jnAuFLpDKs

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 25, 2024

Data Debrief: Sabitzer marks record-equalling Austria appearance in style

Sabitzer made his 10th major tournament (World Cup/Euros) appearance in Berlin, with the five previous players to reach 10 such appearances for Austria all doing so in the early 1980s.

Austria have now scored their most goals at the Euros (six) and most in a major tournament (World Cup/Euros) since the 1978 World Cup (seven).