Euro 2024: Austria upsets the Netherlands, Poland denies France top spot


BERLIN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Austria won Group D after Marcel Sabitzer's late 3-2 winner stunned the Netherlands whereas Robert Lewandowski helped Poland hold France to a 1-1 stalemate in the last round of group play on Tuesday.

The Netherlands caught the worst possible start at Berlin Olympia stadium as Donyell Malen cleared Alexanders Prass' square pass into the wrong goal, giving Austria a 1-0 lead with six minutes played.

The Dutchmen responded well and tried to restore parity, but Tijjani Reijnders squandered two promising opportunities as the match progressed.

Austria remained dangerous though as Sabitzer tested goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a low shot in the 38th minute.

The Netherlands caught a perfect start two minutes into the second half as Xavi Simons initiated a counterattack before feeding Cody Gakpo, who curled the ball into the far post corner with a well-placed shot.

It was a short-lived joy for Ronald Koeman's men as Austria bounced back and took the lead again after Florian Grillitsch's pinpoint cross allowed Romano Schmid to nod home at the hour mark.

The Netherlands remained unimpressed and made it two all with 75 minutes gone as Memphis Depay tapped home Wout Weghort's assist by header.

Austria had the last laugh and clinched the group win after Sabitzer finished off Christoph Baumgartner's good build-up work from tight angle to round off the 3-2 victory.

"The team showed a great will today. They always came back and that against a strong opponent which is remarkable. In the end, we secured a deserved victory here. It is unbelievable that we have won this group after staring with a defeat," said Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick.

In the other Group D clash, France failed to secure the group win as veteran striker Robert Lewandowski cancelled out Kylian Mbappe's opener to ensure a 1-1 draw.

With the result, Austria finished the group atop the standings with six points, followed by France (5 points), the Netherlands (4 points) and Poland (1 point).

"I would like to thank the fans for showing up today despite us being eliminated. We fought until the end, and we had some really good spells," said Poland coach Michal Probierz.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Trump to participate in G7 working session with Zelensky
What World Cup? New York gripped by Knicks frenzy
Trump to meet with Middle East leaders, attend Ukraine session at G7, US officials say
Starmer tells NATO's Rutte UK will publish defence plan before summit
Orban re-elected as Fidesz party leader in Hungary despite election loss
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant reconnected to grid after IAEA-brokered ceasefire
Iran says deal with US won't be signed Sunday
Malaysia a global model of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, says Muslim World League
Iran says signing of Islamabad memorandum will not take place on Sunday
Iran to hold funeral for slain Supreme Leader from July 4-9

Others Also Read