Euro 2024 witnessed a major upset when Austria defeated Netherlands by a scoreline of 3-2. This win placed Austria at the top of Group D, while this loss placed the Dutch in a nervous awaiting to check if they will qualify among the best third placed teams. At the same time, Poland displayed a great tactical game and played a 1-1 draw with the French team.
The match of Austria against the Netherlands kicked off on a dramatic note for the Dutch as Donyell Malen scored a goal into his own nets. Though the Netherlands looked blank for a while after the break, the scaore was finally equalized by Cody Gakpo in the 47th minute. The game proceeded on with Austria’s lead’, scored by Romano Schmid in the 59th minute. Eventually the Dutch were able again by Memphis Depay in the 75th minute to equalize.
Also Read: Euro 2024 Group Stage Heats Up: Who Makes the Knockout Rounds?
Just when it appeared that the wind was blowing in the favor of the Netherlands, Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer lived up to the expectations with a strike in the 87th minute. This goal turned out to be the decisive one with the final score of 3-2.
This made the Netherlands ending of Group D in the third position below the France team. Now the Dutch have to wait until other matches are played to check if they would make the list of the third-best performing teams.
France Held by Poland, Kylian Mbappe Grabs First Euro Goal
In the other Group D match, France were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland. Kylian Mbappe, the French star player, finally opened his scoring account in the tournament with a penalty goal in the 56th minute. However, Robert Lewandowski ensured that France didn’t finish as group winners by converting a penalty in the 79th minute.
This match marked Mbappe’s return to the starting lineup after recovering from a broken nose sustained earlier in the tournament. He was seen wearing a protective mask throughout the game but still managed to make his mark on the scoreboard. Notably, this was Mbappe’s first-ever goal in the European Championship, having failed to score in his previous attempts.
Austria, with two wins and a loss, will now face a challenge from a team from another group in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ fate hinges on the results of other matches. France, finishing second in the group, will advance to the next round.
This group stage of Euro 2024 is filled with unexpected results. Meanwhile, football fans around the world is waiting for the next stage of Euro 2024, where the best teams will battle it out for the coveted championship title.
