Euro 2020: Group C – Netherlands vs Austria

Netherlands welcome Austria to Johan Cruyff Arena in a top of Group C clash at Euro 2020.

Depending on results earlier in the day between North Macedonia and Ukraine, Austria could enter this match looking to regain top spot and book their place in the last 16.

Netherlands meanwhile can go top of Group B with victory and seal their spot in the knockout stages.

 

Team News

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Matthijs De Light is a doubt for Netherlands after missing Sunday’s win over Ukraine with a groin injury suffered in training.

Austria have no fresh injury concerns after Sunday’s 3-1 win over North Macedonia and manager, Franco Foda could name an unchanged starting lineup.

 

Stat Attack

• Netherlands won their only previous clash against Austria at a major tournament, winning 5-1 at 1978 FIFA World Cup in Group A in Cordoba.
• Austria have won just one of eight ‘away’ clashes against Netherlands (W1, D4, L3).
• Both teams have scored in their seven meetings in which Netherlands were classed as the ‘home’ team.
• Netherlands are looking to score at least three goals in three consecutive matches for the first time since September-October 2019 in Euro Qualifying, in which they netted four goals against Germany and Estonia and scored three goals against Northern Ireland (W3).
• Austria have won three of their last five away matches in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).

 

Prediction

Netherlands will be delighted with how they have started the tournament with a dominant creative display when on the attack, yet their defence clearly is missing Virgil Van Dijk and De Ligt which will be a worry if they qualify so a clean sheet here is imperative for their confidence.

Austria meanwhile found themselves in a physical scrap against North Macedonia on Sunday despite scoring first, yet their superior European experience eventually won out as they punished defensive mistakes clinically.

I however feel that this is Netherlands’ match to lose because they not only have the home fans but considerable more creative quality, which I just can’t see Austria coping with in the end.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Austria

Result: Netherlands 2-0 Austria