Austria STUN Netherlands with a thrilling 3-2 win, finish ahead of France at top of Group D

Austria have done the unthinkable in Euro 2024 as against all odds Austria have beaten Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling game and have topped Group D ahead of heavy hitters France and Netherlands. 

When the draw was made no could have quite foreseen that Austria will run out as winners of Group D and advance to the next round of the competition. But Ralf Ragnick and his men against all odds made it happen in one of the remarkable stories of Euro 2024. 

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Austria stun Netherlands 3-2 and qualify from Group D at top of standings

Austria stunned Netherlands with their remarkable 3-2 victory. Netherlands started matchday 3 at the top of Group D and Austria on second, but in a remarkable turn of events, the roles were reversed at the end of the day.

Austria topped Group D thanks to France drawing with Poland 1-1 in the other game. Both France and the Netherlands were already assured of progress thanks to results in other games.

The Austrians had needed a point to be sure of progress and got off to a great start with Dutch forward Donyell Malen scoring an own goal in the sixth minute.

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First-half substitute Xavi Simons set up Cody Gapko to equalize two minutes after the break, but Romano Schmid headed Austria back in front in the 59th.

Memphis Depay equalized with a brilliant finish in the 75th, though he had to endure a VAR check as referee Ivan Kruzliak felt he handled the ball. The check found Depay hadn’t.

But Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead two minutes later with a fierce strike from a difficult angle.

It proved to be the winner despite a frenetic finale with chances at both ends.

Austria will now head on to Leipzig in the round of 16 of the Euro 2024 and Ralf Ragnick and his side will want to carry forward the momentum. 

(With AP Inputs)