Austria stun Netherlands at EURO 2024 as favourites fumble

Austria shocked the world on Wednesday morning (AEST) by beating the Netherlands 3-2 in Berlin to secure a spot in the EURO 2024 knockout rounds.

Ralf Rangnick’s side took an early lead through an own goal by Donyell Malen, but the Dutch found an equaliser through Cody Gakpo right after the restart.

The Austrians then regained the lead in the 59th minute through a thunderous Romano Schmid header, only for it to be cancelled out by Atletico Madrid’s Memphis Depay in the 75th minute.

However, Marcel Sabitzer struck the winner five minutes later to solidify Austria’s position as a dark horse at EURO 2024.

Despite being pooled in a tough group alongside seasoned opponents like France and the Netherlands, Austria soldiered through to finish top of Group D with six points, a point ahead of France and two ahead of the Dutch.

On the same day, England and Denmark were both held to goalless draws in their final group matches.

On a night when they could have made a statement, the Three Lions proved inept as they struggled to break down Slovenia.

Nevertheless, Gareth Southgate’s side still finished top of Group C with five points, two points ahead of Denmark, who also advanced into the last 16 after their stalemate against Serbia.

Third-placed Slovenia were also lucky enough to book their place in the knockout stage, having qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

By finishing top of their group, England have managed to avoid tougher opponents like Germany, Spain, Portugal and France in the next round.

The performance should, however, be a wake-up call for England, who are pegged as $5 favourites with Marantelli Bet to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, France were held to a surprise 1-1 draw with Poland at Signal Iduna Park.

Les Bleus struck first through a 55th-minute penalty by Kylian Mbappe, only for their lead to be cancelled from a spot-kick by Robert Lewandowski in the 79th minute.

The draw meant France had to settle for a second-place finish in Group D with five points, a point behind surprise group leaders Austria.

This was a disappointing result for France, especially because online bookmakers have them as $6 hopes to win the European Championship.

The sides have to wait for the conclusion of other group matches to know their round-of-16 opponents.

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