Netherlands vs Austria – Euro 2024 – 25-Jun-2024

Netherlands vs Austria

The Olympiastadion in Berlin prepares to witness a clash of titans on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, as the Netherlands and Austria lock horns in a crucial Group D encounter of Euro 2024. This match carries significant weight, potentially deciding the group winner and setting the tone for the knockout stages.

The Netherlands: A Team Primed for Success

• A Star-Studded Squad: The Dutch national team boasts a wealth of talent across all positions. Memphis Depay leads the attack, his pace and finishing prowess a constant threat. Frenkie de Jong orchestrates play from midfield, while Virgil van Dijk anchors a resolute defense. The likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek, and Steven Bergwijn add further depth and dynamism to the squad.

• Building on Impressive Form: The Netherlands enters the tournament on a high note, having gone unbeaten in their last 10 matches. Coach Louis van Gaal has instilled a winning mentality and a tactical flexibility that allows them to adapt to different opponents.

• Areas for Improvement: Despite their strengths, the Dutch haven’t always been convincing in recent victories. Concerns remain regarding their finishing at times, with Depay carrying much of the scoring burden. Additionally, questions linger about their creativity in midfield, especially if De Jong is closely marked.

Austria: A Rising Power with Renewed Identity

• Ralf Rangnick’s Tactical Revolution: Since the appointment of German tactician Ralf Rangnick, Austria has undergone a significant transformation. They now play a high-pressing, possession-based style that utilizes quick transitions and intricate passing patterns. Players like Marcel Sabitzer and Florian Kainz thrive in this system.

• A Young and Energetic Squad: Austria boasts a young and hungry squad eager to prove themselves on the big stage. Players like Konrad Laimer provide tireless energy in midfield, while David Alaba remains a crucial figure in defense and leadership.

• Adapting to a Tough Opponent: Austria faces a significant challenge against the Netherlands. Their ability to handle the Dutch press and exploit potential weaknesses in their defense will be crucial in determining their success.

A Historical Rivalry Rekindled

While not as storied as some other European rivalries, the Netherlands and Austria have met 18 times throughout history, with the Dutch holding the upper hand with 11 wins. Their last encounter, a friendly in 2021, saw the Netherlands win comfortably 4-0. However, Austria’s tactical evolution under Rangnick injects a sense of intrigue into this fixture.

Key Players in the Spotlight

• Netherlands: Memphis Depay (FW) – His goalscoring prowess is vital for the Dutch attack.
• Netherlands: Frenkie de Jong (MF) – His ability to control the tempo and unlock defenses will be key.
• Netherlands: Virgil van Dijk (DF) – His leadership and defensive solidity are crucial for the Dutch backline.
• Austria: David Alaba (DF) – His experience and leadership will be vital in marshalling the Austrian defense.
• Austria: Marcel Sabitzer (MF) – His energy and pressing ability will be crucial in disrupting the Dutch midfield.
• Austria: Florian Kainz (FW) – His creativity and technical ability could be a major threat for the Austrian attack.

Tactical Strategies and Formations

• Netherlands (4-3-3): Van Gaal is likely to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, with Depay leading the line flanked by Bergwijn and another attacker, potentially Cody Gakpo. De Jong will anchor the midfield alongside two box-to-box options like van de Beek and Teun Koopmeiners. Van Dijk and de Ligt will form the heart of the defense, flanked by Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries.

• Austria (4-2-3-1): Rangnick is likely to deploy his signature 4-2-3-1 formation. Alaba will marshal the defense alongside Martin Hinteregger, with Stefan Lainer and Andreas Weimann occupying the full-back positions. Laimer and Xaver Schlager will provide a solid base in midfield, while Sabitzer plays in a more advanced role alongside Kainz and Karim Onisiwo supporting lone striker Michael Gregoritsch.

What time does Netherlands vs Austria kick-off?

Location: Berlin, Germany

Venue: Olympiastadion

Date: Tuesday 25 June

Kick-off Time: 17:00 BST / 12:00 ET / 09:00 PT

Referee: Ivan Kruzliak (SVK)

VAR: Marco Fritz (GER)

How to watch Netherlands vs Austria on TV and live stream

Country

TV channel / live stream

United Kingdom

BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BB Sport Web

United States

Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports App, foxsports.com, fuboTV, Sling, ViX

Canada

TSN2, TVA Sports 2, TVA+

Netherlands predicted lineup vs Austria

Netherlands predicted lineup vs Austria (4-2-3-1): Verburggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay.