Denzel Dumfries and Memphis Depay steal the show once again as Netherlands cruised to a 2-0 victory over Austria on Thursday.
Netherlands roar their way into the knockout round of the UEFA Euro 2020 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Austria on Thursday. They become the second team, after Italy, to secure qualification into the last 16.
It was a comprehensive performance from the Dutch team, who used their experience to weather the early storm from Austria before eventually establishing their dominance on the proceedings. An early penalty conceded by David Alaba did help their cause, with Memphis Depay scoring the opener in the 11th minute.
Frank de Boer’s men created quite a few chances throughout the course of the game but had to remain alert defensively, as the opposition did make a fuss going forward. However, Das Team were evidently missing the presence of talismanic forward Marko Arnautovic, who received a one-game suspension from UEFA due to insulting Ezgjan Alioski in the first match.
Netherlands, nevertheless, maintained their superiority in the proceedings, with Denzel Dumfries doubling their lead at the midway point of the second half. It was enough to seal all three points for the Oranje, and here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over these two sides in this crucial result at the Amsterdam ArenA this Thursday.
Netherlands
Maarten Stekelenburg: 6.5/10
Maarten Stekelenburg did not have anything much to do as Austria managed their first shot on target deep in the injury time. Yet another easy clean sheet for the veteran goalkeeper, who might be rested for the next group game.
Stefan de Vrij: 7/10
Stefan de Vrij was solid in defence, but it was his attacking forays down the flanks that played a key role in the build-up to Netherlands’ early penalty. Assured on the ball, as ever.
Matthijs de Ligt: 7.5/10
Matthijs de Ligt was the pick of the Dutch defenders this evening. He was a rock at the heart of the backline, producing important tackles and blocks to keep the opposition at bay.
Matthijs de Ligt vs Austria
40 passes
100% pass accuracy
1 successful dribble
2 tackles won
3 clearances
1 blocked shot
1 aerial won
3/3 duels wonThe most mature young defender in the World. Hopefully, he is ok and we will see him in the knockout stages! ?? pic.twitter.com/Xiogxf0JWe
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) June 17, 2021
Daley Blind: 7/10
Daley Blind was the stable head of the defence, who used his experience and composure to keep things neat and tidy at the back. Blind’s passing was excellent too, as he distributed the ball further up the park.
Denzel Dumfries: 9/10
Denzel Dumfries’ tremendous Euro 2020 continues, following yet another impressive display in the wing-back position. He made multiple forward runs, notably winning the early penalty before netting a goal himself in the second half. A star in the making and the star of this particular game.
2 – Denzel Dumfries is the second player ever to score in his first two European Championship games for the Netherlands, after Ruud van Nistelrooy. Delighted. pic.twitter.com/t5WLEvEfZZ
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 17, 2021
Marten de Roon: 7/10
Marten de Roon picked up an early yellow card that saw him walk on a tight rope. He restrained himself pretty well, though, making life difficult for the Austrian midfielders without committing a foul.
Frenkie de Jong: 8/10
Frenkie de Jong was the one who orchestrated the game for the Netherlands. His technical superiority coupled with his ability to carry the ball around was too good for the opposition to handle. He is indeed one of the best midfielders going around currently, who is pushing his ceiling higher with each passing game.
Patrick van Aanholt: 7/10
Patrick van Aanholt produced some excellent forward balls, including the one that led to Depay’s golden scoring opportunity. A formidable performance in the left wing-back position for the Crystal Palace star.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7.5/10
Georginio Wijnaldum was deployed in the number ten/number eight hybrid due to his work ethic and ability to keep hold of the ball. The PSG newcomer didn’t disappoint either, breaking the Austria press with great efficiency at times.
Wout Weghorst: 7.5/10
Wout Weghorst had another impressive game, as the imposing striker made life difficult for the Austrian defenders. He kept them busy, allowing other players to find spaces while the forward himself created an excellent opportunity for Depay.
Memphis Depay: 8/10
Speaking of Depay, he was by far the second-best player on the night. The former Man United forward worked hard in the final third and that early goal certainly served as a confidence booster. Did miss a relatively easy chance, though.
? Memphis Depay has been directly involved in 49 goals in 66 Netherlands appearances (27 goals, 22 assists) ???#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/sjHTVshT4k
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021
Substitutes
Donyell Malen: 7/10
Donyell Malen was selfless when he squared the ball to Dumfries for Netherlands’ second goal. A very effective substitution from Frank de Boer.
Owen Wijndal: 6.5/10
Owen Wijndal, much like, van Aanholt, offered some excellent forward runs to keep the opposition busy. He remains a likely starter in the final group game against North Macedonia.
Nathan Ake: 6.5/10
Nathan Ake defended well after coming on for Blind during the final stretch of the game. Looked relatively solid, especially in one-on-one situations.
Ryan Gravenberch: 6/10
Ryan Gravenberch didn’t make too much of an impact after coming on, but it is always nice to see the youngster making an appearance.
Luuk de Jong: N/A
A late replacement for Depay. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Austria
Daniel Bachmann: 6.5/10
Daniel Bachmann made a couple of routine saves to keep Austria in the fight. It was a much improved defensive display from the goalkeeper, who had a rusty opening game in Euro 2020.
Aleksandar Dragovic: 6/10
Aleksandar Dragovic clearly didn’t have the best of games, often struggling to deal with the marauding runs made by Netherlands’ overlapping full-backs and inverted wingers.
David Alaba: 5/10
David Alaba had a disastrous start to the game, conceding the penalty with a silly foul on Dumfries. He was also quite slow to laterally move on the pitch and had very little impact on the proceedings.
This Alaba performance <<<
He looks so uncomfortable?put him back in midfield #EURO2020
— Ⓜ️ (@Mxtch__) June 17, 2021
Martin Hinteregger: 5.5/10
Martin Hinteregger struggled to offer the solidity in defence, as the former Augsburg defender looked completely beaten at times. He needs to remain much more confident in the final group game.
Xaver Schlager: 6/10
Xaver Schlager once against struggled to influence the game in the holding midfield position. Although he pressed well, the VfL Wolfsburg midfielder certainly had his difficulties facing the star-studded Netherlands midfield.
Stefan Lainer: 4/10
Stefan Lainer failed to replicate his performance against North Macedonia this evening. He failed to keep up with the marauding wing-backs of Netherlands while offering minimal threat going forward.
Konrad Laimer: 3/10
Konrad Laimer was one of Austria’s most underwhelming performers in the game. The RB Leipzig midfielder simply could not make any influence in the middle of the park, even looking like a liability at times.
Marcel Sabitzer: 6/10
Marcel Sabitzer also had an off day, up against a Dutch defence that repelled most things he threw at them. His lack of influence on the pitch had a grave impact on Austria’s chance creation.
I know they beat North Macedonia, but Austria are so much less as a team than the sum of their parts. So many good individuals, but as a collective they’re a mess. Foda can take credit for qualification, I guess, but he has to carry the can for such a shambolic approach. #NEDAUT
— Kevin Hatchard ?⚽️ (@kevinhatchard) June 17, 2021
Andreas Ulmer: 6/10
Andreas Ulmer was deeply involved in the game earlier on, making multiple runs forward. His influence faded as the game progressed and the wing-back soon became a liability for Franco Foda’s men.
Christoph Baumgartner: 4/10
Christoph Baumgartner was another player that failed to live up to the expectations. He had difficulties creating chances in the final third, as he made way for Valentino Lazaro in the 70th minute.
Michael Gregoritsch: 4/10
Michael Gregoritsch was anonymous for large parts of the game, after starting the match ahead of Sasa Kalajdzic. A poor decision from Foda that did not pay off.
Substitutes
Sasa Kalajdzic: 6/10
Sasa Kalajdzic did make a noticeable impact after coming on as a sub around the hour mark. He should have started the game in the first place, though.
Florian Grillitsch: 6.5/10
Florian Grllitsch offered more control to the Austria midfield after replacing Laimer around the hour mark.
Valentino Lazaro: 6/10
Valentino Lazaro offered himself as a runner and improved the intensity of the Austria attack. Another player who should have started the game.
Karim Onisiwo: N/A
Had a chance to secure a late goal for Austria but his headed effort was too tame. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Philipp Lienhart: N/A
A late replacement for Dragovic. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
