Requiring just one point to ensure a place in the knockout phase of Euro 2024, the Netherlands meet Austria for their final Group D fixture on Tuesday.
The teams convene in Berlin, with the Oranje having four points on the board following their stalemate with France; Ralf Rangnick‘s men swept past Poland last time out but must now avoid defeat to have a good chance of reaching the last 16.
Having previously beaten Poland 2-1 in their opener, the Oranje will secure a place in Group D’s top two should they avoid losing to Austria; guaranteeing first place if they win and France fail to deliver against Poland.
Meanwhile, if Koeman’s men draw and France win they will still finish second – even in defeat, four points would likely prove enough to progress as a third-placed finisher.
Since the 2014 World Cup, the Netherlands are unbeaten in group matches at major tournaments, winning nine of 11 and scoring in each game except Friday’s goalless encounter with Les Bleus.
During that streak, Austria were beaten 2-0 at Euro 2020, when Depay and Dumfries were both on target at the Johan Cruijff Arena. A repeat would now take a highly-rated Dutch squad through to the next phase with room to spare.
Including defeat in Amsterdam three summers ago, Austria have lost their last seven matches against the Netherlands – their longest ongoing sequence against a single opponent.
Credit: www.sportsmole.co.uk
