Netherlands' Player Ratings Against Austria: Dutch Disappointment! Donyell Malen's Performance Highlights Subpar Euro 2024 Showing as Ronald Koeman's Tactics Misfire

The Netherlands suffered a 3-2 defeat in Berlin, ending their hopes of topping Group D and placing them in third position. As a result of this loss, they now face a challenging path to the later stages of the tournament.

The Dutch team, led by Ronald Koeman, entered their crucial Euro 2024 Group D match with the goal of securing the top spot. However, they faltered against Austria, delivering a lackluster performance and ultimately being defeated 3-2. Finishing third in the group could significantly hinder their progress in the championship.

The game in Berlin saw the Dutch team start slowly, conceding a goal just six minutes in when Donyell Malen's unfortunate deflection resulted in an own goal. Despite the possibility of a comeback, the Netherlands ultimately fell short. In the first half, Borussia Dortmund fans were disappointed when Malen missed a great opportunity to score. The Oranje had a dull first-half performance, but Koeman's halftime motivating speech spurred them to take action. Cody Gakpo skillfully scored the equalizer from a quick counterattack. Their luck was short-lived as Romano Schmid's header at the far post put Austria back in the lead.

Memphis Depay skillfully controlled Wout Weghorst's knockdown and hammered the ball into the net as the Netherlands, supported by their passionate fans in Berlin, fought back into contention once again. However, the Dutch aspirations were dashed when Marcel Sabitzer exploited a weakness in the Dutch defense and finished precisely from close range to secure victory for Austria.

Having suffered a defeat, the Dutch will face challenges in advancing in Euro 2024 as they will need to overcome tougher opponents to progress beyond the knockout stages.

GOAL KEEPER & DEFENCE:

Bart Verbruggen (5/10):

He saw through Malen's unfortunate own goal but was slow to respond. The game-winning goal by the Dortmund midfielder was saved by a good save in the first half, but he should have covered his near post better.

Lutsharel Geertruida (3/10):

"He seemed overpowered throughout the first half, unable to handle the pressure of the match, like a beginner. The equalizing goal was directly caused by his strategic choice to let opponents cut inside, and he appeared to lose concentration during the build-up to Schmidt's header."

Stefan de Vrij (5/10):

He was repeatedly displaced from his position by Sabitzer and Arnautovic's moves. He had a better grasp of the clearance on the play that led to Schmidt's goal.

Virgil van Dijk (5/10):

Seems a little uneasy and constantly tried to correct mistakes made by colleagues, ultimately drifting too deep and unintentionally setting up Sabitzer for the game-winning goal.

Nathan Ake (6/10):

Had a reasonably successful mission, with most of Austria's potentially devastating attacks coming from the opposing side. 65 minutes later, the substitution was made without any significant errors.

In the midfield:

Schouten Jerdy (4/10): 

Seemed to lack physicality in the center of the Dutch midfield, frequently unable to stop Sabitzer from easily moving in front of the defense.

Joey Veerman (2/10): 

Struggled significantly against Austria's aggressive pressing strategies, often losing the ball and contributing little to the defense. He was replaced ten minutes before the half.

Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):

Occasional flair in moving the ball forward was overshadowed by lack of sharp passing. Notably wasted an early chance at the edge of the box and missed two wide attempts.

ATTACK:

Donyell Malen (2/10):

"He had a terrible first half, and his lack of defensive effort led to an own goal that helped Austria take the lead. He also squandered a great chance to tie the score. He exhibited progress after the break but was forced to leave the game 20 minutes early due to an injury."

Memphis Depay (7/10):

Demonstrated impressive skill in high-pressure situations, quieting doubters with a remarkable goal to level the game at 2-2. However, his performance during set pieces was subpar.

Cody Gakpo (7/10):

Continued to shine as the best player and most deadly attacker for the Netherlands. He opened the scoring in the second half with a beautifully curled finish, adding to his growing list of goals in major tournaments.

SUBS & MANAGER:

Xavi Simons (7/10):

Xavi Simons injected dynamism into the Dutch midfield with a powerful run just before halftime, setting up Gakpo's goal and instantly impacting the match.

Georginio Wijnaldum (5/10):

Georginio Wijnaldum, who replaced Reijnders in the final 25 minutes, made little impact on the contest and did not meet expectations.

Micky van de Ven (6/10):

Micky van de Ven replaced Ake smoothly and bolstered the left side of the defense, providing stability and maintaining the team's defensive shape with impressive efficiency.

Wout Weghorst (6/10):

Wout Weghorst's precise header set up Depay's goal, showcasing his aerial ability. However, his missed opportunity to equalize with another header late in the game was a pivotal moment that could have altered the outcome.

Ronald Koeman (3/10):

Ronald Koeman's tactic of sitting deep against Austria backfired, as he seemed unprepared for Rangnick's pressing tactics. Although his early substitution of Veerman and tactical change of moving Geertruida inside showed promise, the overall performance was unsatisfactory under his leadership. This highlighted a difficult day for the former Barcelona manager.