Austria Defeats Netherlands in Five-Goal Euro 2024 Thriller to Top Group D

Marcel Sabitzer's late goal secured Austria's place in the knockout stage of the European Championship as group winners, clinching a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Austria secured the top spot in Group D following a 1-1 draw between France and Poland in the simultaneous match. Both France and the Netherlands had already confirmed their progression to the next round.

Austria took an early lead when Dutch forward Donyell Malen inadvertently scored an own goal in the sixth minute.

The Netherlands equalized shortly after halftime, with Xavi Simons assisting Cody Gapko to score in the 47th minute. However, Romano Schmid restored Austria's lead with a header in the 59th minute.

Memphis Depay leveled the score again in the 75th minute with a superb finish, although his goal underwent a VAR review after referee Ivan Kruzliak initially suspected a handball. The review confirmed Depay's goal was legitimate.

Two minutes later, Marcel Sabitzer reclaimed the lead for Austria with a powerful strike from a challenging angle.

Despite a frantic finish with chances for both teams, Sabitzer's goal proved decisive, ensuring Austria's victory.