Netherlands Beat Austria, Go Through As Group Winners
The Netherlands booked their place in the knockout rounds of the European Championship with their second win in as many games, beating Austria 2-0 on Thursday night. This victory ensures they’ll go through as Group C winners.
Having beaten Ukraine in a more edgy game in their opener, the Dutch looked far more composed and at ease in their second outing at Euro 2020.
With just about 10 minutes played, the Netherlands got themselves in front through Barcelona target Memphis Depay, with Real Madrid’s David Alaba conceding a penalty.
Alaba’s troubled night continued as he let Memphis get in behind him later in the first half, but the Dutchman couldn’t take advantage once behind the Austrian back line. Memphis had another glorious chance for a second just before half time, but send his shot over the crossbar from right in front of goal.
Both Stefan de Vrij and Matthijs de Ligt went close on the end of a set piece and it started to look as though the Dutch just wouldn’t be able to find the second goal their performance deserved.
Midway through the second half, though, it came. A swift counterattack put Donyell Malen through and, as he approached goal, he squared to Denzel Dumfries to tap into an open goal.
