Dutch Fall to Austria in Berlin Despite Gakpo’s Heroics

Berlin – In a dramatic Group D finale at Euro 2024, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo scored early in the second half, but the Netherlands ultimately succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Austria. The Dutch team, captained by Virgil van Dijk, saw Ryan Gravenberch remain on the bench throughout the match.

The Netherlands faced an uphill battle from the outset, with an own goal by Donyell Malen putting them behind in the sixth minute. Gakpo, however, drew them level with his second goal of the tournament, expertly receiving a pass on the left edge of the penalty area, cutting inside, and curling a precise shot into the far corner.

Austria reclaimed the lead just before the hour, courtesy of a Romano Schmid header, which deflected off Stefan de Vrij and found the net. The Dutch responded once more when Memphis Depay skillfully controlled a knockdown and lofted the ball into the goal, bringing the score to 2-2.

Despite the spirited comeback, Austria sealed their victory when Marcel Sabitzer scored from a tight angle, a goal that secured Austria’s top spot in the group and relegated the Netherlands to third place.

In other Group D action, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate was an unused substitute as France played to a 1-1 draw with Poland in Dortmund. Both Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski converted penalties in a match that saw France finish second in the group, setting up a Round of 16 clash against the runners-up of Group E on July 1.

The Netherlands, as one of the best third-placed teams, now await the outcome of other group games to determine their opponents in the knockout stages.