Memphis Depay opened the scoring early on from the spot before Denzel Dumfries added a second in the second half as Netherlands entered the last 16 of Euro 2020 with a win over Austria.
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Netherlands beat Austria 2-0 at Amsterdam on Thursday in their second Euro 2020 fixture. The Dutch have now sealed their qualification to last 16 from Group C with their second consecutive victory. Memphis Depay opened the scoring for the Dutch from the penalty spot early in the match. Denzel Dumfries added a second after the break. The Dutch are appearing in their first major tournament since reaching the semi-finals of 2014 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile Austria, who beat North Macedonia for their first win, registered just one shot on goal
Just ten minutes into the game, Netherlands was awarded a penalty for David Alaba’s foul on Dumfries. The Israeli referee pointed to the spot after the VAR intervention. Lyon striker Depay stepped up and converted the spot-kick to score his 27th international goal for the national team.
Six minutes after the hour-mark, Depay released substitute Donyell Malen from the middle. The PSV Eindhoven player sprinted forward with the ball. He assisted Dumfries and the player had the tap-in from close range. It was the wing-back’s second goal in the tournament after scoring the winner against Ukraine in the previous Euro 2020 game.
Depay missed a sitter before the interval. Weghorst set-up Depay in front of goal after receiving a precise diagonal ball from the middle of the park. But the 27-year-old forward’s attempt from three yards went over the crossbar.
On the hour-mark, Stefan de Vrij’s close range header after Weghorst set it up from Depay’s corner. But, it was well saved by Austria goalkeeper Daniel Buchmann. Austria found it difficult to go through the solid Dutch defence. Captain Alaba’s long range effort in the 80th minute whiskered past the Dutch post.
Frank De Boer’s side were clearly the dominant team on the night. The Dutch Boss’ 3-5-2 formation is proving to be very effective. Dumfries is causing all sorts of problems for the opposition with his pace.
Midfielder Frankie De Jong Has been the unsung hero of the match. His ability to dictate the pace of the game has been pivotal for Netherlands’ success. The return of central defender Matthijs De Ligt made the Oranje more assured at the back. It was unlike the previous game where they conceded two goals.
Netherlands became the third team to book a place in the round of 16 after Italy and Belgium. Austria are in the race to qualify for the knock-out stage. They face Ukraine in their final group fixture at Bucharest on Monday. Meanwhile Netherlands will take on North Macedonia at Amsterdam.
