⚽️ In an electrifying showdown at Berlin's Olympiastadion, Austria edged out the Netherlands with a thrilling 3-2 victory, sealing their spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stage as Group D winners! 🇦🇹🥇
The match kicked off with a bang as the Austrian fans erupted in cheers when Dutch forward Donyell Malen inadvertently sent the ball into his own net just six minutes in. Talk about an unexpected gift! 🎁
But the Oranje weren't backing down. Just two minutes after the break, substitute Xavi Simons set up Cody Gakpo for the equalizer, leveling the score and reigniting Dutch hopes. 🇳🇱🔥
Not to be outdone, Austria's Romano Schmid soared above the defense to head in a goal in the 59th minute, putting Austria back in the lead. The stadium was rocking! 🎉
The drama intensified when Memphis Depay showcased his brilliance with a stunning finish in the 75th minute, bringing the Netherlands back to 2-2. After a tense VAR check confirmed the goal, the Dutch fans were on their feet! 📣
But the night belonged to Marcel Sabitzer. Just two minutes later, he unleashed a fierce strike from a tough angle, blasting the ball into the net and restoring Austria's lead at 3-2. What a screamer! 🚀
The final minutes were a heart-pounding frenzy with chances flying at both ends, but Austria held on to claim the victory and top the group, thanks also to France drawing 1-1 with Poland in the other match. 🇫🇷🤝🇵🇱
\"If you beat the Netherlands and finish first in the group, then you can't be so bad,\" joked Sabitzer, grinning ear to ear. \"Now we need to bring it down a bit, get the heads clear and then we'll attack again.\" 🗣️
Austria will face the second-place finisher from Group F—either Türkiye, Georgia, or the Czech Republic—in Leipzig next Tuesday. The excitement keeps building! 🗺️🔥
The victory snapped Austria's seven-game losing streak against the Netherlands, making this win even sweeter for the Austrian fans who chanted \"Group winners, group winners!\" under the evening sun. ☀️🎊
As for the Netherlands, they're still advancing to the next round, but they'll have to wait to see who their next opponent will be. The tournament is heating up, and we can't wait to see what happens next! ⚡️🏆
Reference(s):
Austria beat Netherlands 3-2 to reach knockout stage of Euro 2024
cgtn.com
