Football News: Austria Stun Netherlands in Euro 2024 Group Thriller
In a thrilling Euro 2024 group stage matchup, Austria pulled off a surprise 3-2 victory against the Netherlands, throwing the tournament wide open.
Austria’s Remarkable Performance
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria team delivered a “courageous and energetic” performance, finishing top of Group D, much to the delight of their manager. “To finish top of the group then, that is incredible,” Rangnick said. “The probability of us winning here and France not winning, if you had a bet you would be a very rich man or woman.”
Austria’s win, coupled with France’s surprise draw against Poland, has propelled them into the discussion around potential contenders for the European Championship title. Despite their opening game defeat against France, Austria have now qualified above the tournament favorites.
However, Rangnick remained cautious about Austria’s chances of winning their first major trophy this summer. “I have said months ago, I don’t think it is very probable to win the Euros,” he admitted. “If someone asked me if I can completely rule it out, it is still not very likely. The lads want to go as far as possible.”
Netherlands’ Disappointing Performance
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman was disappointed with his side’s performance, which has consigned them to third place in the group and a potentially tougher path in the knockout stages. “The match against France [drawn 0-0] was reasonably well as a team. But today it was appalling, because people played poorly in a series of aspects,” Koeman lamented.
Koeman, however, expressed optimism that the Netherlands can find their form in the knockout rounds. “I am focused on our strategy,” he said. “We have not been knocked out. We have to come up with a response and prepare the team for the next match because that’s what is at stake. We will have to play better than today.”
The Euro 2024 tournament has taken an unexpected turn, with Austria emerging as a surprise package and the Netherlands facing a tougher road to the latter stages. Football fans eagerly await the next chapter of this captivating European Championship.
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