Last 16 are shaping up for Euro 2024...DOMINANT Netherlands eyeing top spot, can Austria stop them?

Netherlands meet Austria in their final group game on tuesday both the teams have a chance to finish in the top two.

After a 1-0 defeat against France, Austria made a superb comeback beating Poland in their second group fixture claiming three points, as for the Dutch they started off their campaign with a win and played a draw against France which took them to the top of the group courtesy their better goal advantage. 

For Austria, a win is a must to go through last 16, whereas Spain's win over Albania on Monday confirmed the Netherlands' place in the last 16, looking at their recent performances both the teams are coming up with attacking stratagies.

Ralf Rangnick, Austrian manager said “I prefer to finish first but we have to win and France not to, and it's not very likely for both of those things to happen, The main goal is to get to the last 16 and then after the last few games we'll see.”

Austria reached the last 16 of Euro 2020,  the first time they had played in the knockout rounds of a major tournament since 1954.

Facing the dutch side will be very tough for Rangnick's side as Netherlands have not lost any game since their Fifa World cup exit and are favourites for today's clash as well. 

Also Read | Live EURO 2024 score - France vs Poland, Netherlands vs Austria LIVE

After playing two group games, The Netherlands looks somewhat balanced but lacks in pressing their opponent when the pressure mounts, the France game was a perfect example how the dutch side lost the possession in small intervals and left too much space in between the lines.

Austria would be looking for such chances tonight against The Netherlands, it all depends how the dutch midfield shape their defensive area along with the defensive line. 

An early goal could allow both the teams to sit back and enjoy the possession game for a longer period of time in the game. 

For Austria, defender Gernot Trauner will not be available on Tuesday because of injury, on the other hand dutch striker Wout Weghorst, could be in contention to make his first start at the tournament.

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MATCH STATS 

• The Netherlands have won their two previous major tournament encounters with Austria, The Dutch won 5-1 at the 1978 Fifa World Cup and 2-0 at Euro 2020.
• Austria have lost their last seven matches against the Netherlands, their longest current run of defeats against a single opponent. 
• The Netherlands are aiming to reach the knockout stages at the European Championship for the eighth time in their last nine tournament appearances.
• Since the start of the 2014 World Cup, the Netherlands haven’t lost any of their group stage matches at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros), winning 9 of their 11 such matches AND 2 draws.