Euro 2024: Marcel Sabitzer’s amazing late goal proved to be the winner, as Austria stunned Netherlands 3-2 in their final group stage match to finish as table-toppers in Group D. With Netherlands enduring a shocking loss, they will now finish 3rd and qualify as one of the best third-placed teams in the competition.
"I have had ups and downs in the last few months so this is a moment that really feels good. I'm very, very happy today but I'm not that focused on myself. I'm proud of the team because they put all their trust in me and allowed me to play freely. I'm always happy when I can help the team with my performance," said Marcel Sabitzer, who was awarded the Man of the Match award for his sensational performance against Netherlands.
Austria started the match on a lucky yet positive note, as an own-goal from Donyell Malen gave them a 1-0 lead walking into the half-time. The second half was off to a flying start, as Liverpool FC forward Cody Gakpo equalised in the 47th minute.
Austria did not hold back and their persistent attack paid off 12 minutes later, with Romano Schmid retaining a one-goal lead for Austrians.
A period of wild football followed from the 75th minute to 80th minute, as these 5 minutes produced a brilliant equaliser for Netherlands, and an even better late winner for Austria, as Marcel Sabitzer sealed the top spot for Ralf Rangnick’s men.
'We Deserved To Win': Ralf Rangnick
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick stated that his side 'deserved the win', as the side never trailed against the Dutch during the 5-goal thriller.
"I think we deserved to win in the end. Overall, we had the greater will to win and an extreme energy output on the pitch, which you could feel in every phase of the match. The way we reacted to the goals we conceded, that we didn't bend, that we stayed true to our style of play. When you look at the performances produced by the players in the starting line-up, you have to take your cap off to them," said Rangnick during the post-match interview, as reported by UEFA.