The Netherlands and Austria are poised for a pivotal encounter in their final Group D match at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Tuesday.
With both teams still in contention for the top spot, this Netherlands vs Austria match could determine their fate in the tournament.
The Dutch currently lead the group with four points from two matches, needing only a draw to secure a top-two finish. A win could see them clinch the group, depending on the outcome of France’s match against Poland.
Austria, sitting on three points, could leapfrog the Netherlands with a victory and potentially claim the group’s top spot if other results go their way.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, despite his team’s unbeaten start, believes there’s room for improvement. “We’re a team that still needs to grow,” he stated.
Koeman acknowledges the challenge posed by Austria, saying, “We know that it will be a tough match, because you can’t underestimate Austria, especially in the way they put you under pressure.”
Austria, buoyed by their recent 3-1 victory over Poland, are confident in their abilities.
Striker Marko Arnautović praised his team’s performance, stating, “We’re a really good team and proved that today.”
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick highlighted the importance of their defensive strategy against the Dutch.
“If we can play at the highest possible level against the ball, winning balls in their half, winning most of the second balls, this will be important for our own performance,” he said.
Historical context
History favours the Netherlands, who have won their last seven matches against Austria, including a 2-0 victory in Euro 2020. Austria’s last competitive win against the Dutch dates back to a 1984 World Cup qualifier.
Key Players to Watch
For the Netherlands, Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries, both goalscorers in their Euro 2020 encounter with Austria, are expected to start.
Austria will look to the in-form Marko Arnautović to lead their attack.
Possible Line-ups
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Aké; Schouten, Simons, Reijnders; Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo
Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Laimer; Wimmer, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Gregoritsch
The Netherlands vs Austria match kicks off at 17:00 Nigerian time on Tuesday, June 25, with Slovak referee Ivan Kruzliak officiating and Marco Fritz as VAR.
As both teams vie for a favourable position in the knockout stages as this encounter is set to be a thrilling conclusion to Group D.
The Netherlands aim to maintain their dominance over Austria, while Rangnick’s side seeks to upset the odds and continue their impressive run in the tournament.
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