IN GERMANY: Ralf Rangnick’s Austria have unexpectedly opened Euro 2024 after an upset 3-2 victory over the Netherlands.
The victory meant Austria topped group D ahead of favourites France who could only draw 1-1 with Poland, meaning France will now be on the side of the draw with Portugal, Germany, and Spain.
“If you beat the Netherlands and win the group, then you can’t be that bad,” said Austrian striker Marcel Sabitzer following the victory.
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“For us, the most important thing was to advance, and we managed that.”
Austrian fans at the Olympiastadion in Berlin showcased a collective spirit which has been harnessed between Rangnick’s team and the travelling supporters.
Austria has epitomised the strength of the team over the individual wherein their high press and energetic displays have seen them overwhelm more fancied opponents.
For the Dutch, they will now need to pick themselves up and prepare for a round of 16 clash against Romania.
The orange army of Netherlands supporters were left disappointed as the colour and noise they brought was not enough to help Ronald Koeman’s team over the line as they struggled to contain a dynamic Austrian team in their final group game.
“We were not happy. Hard words from the coach and the players. Maybe sharpness, we still have to see it again. If we knew, we would change it,” said Dutch forward Cody Gakpo.
The scenes following the game – which saw Austrian fans singing and celebrating hours after full time – showcased the momentous achievement of Austria topping this group.
Rangnick and his team will now focus their attention on the last 16 and the opportunity that lies ahead for them to make a deep run.
In contrast, France’s uninspiring tournament continued as they were unable to overcome a poor Poland side.
France’s group stage goals have consisted of both an own goal and a penalty as their multi-talented attack has failed to fire.
French manager Didier Deschamps conceded his team deserved to finish behind Austria but believes they will be ready for the challenges which lie ahead in the round of 16 – and possibly beyond.
“We will be ready for the round of 16, it is a new competition that is starting. You cannot always read a competition just from the group stage. We deserve to be second, I am satisfied,” the France manager said.
Nonetheless Austria’s journey so far has been one of the feel-good stories out of a Euro’s that has both delivered on and off the field.
The Austrian fans will now travel to Leipzig for their round of 16 clash against Turkey – and who would count against them featuring at the pointy end of a tournament that they have so far lit up.