Euro 2020: Netherlands and Austria Battle for Group C Supremacy

Netherlands vs Austria

The Netherlands and Austria are both in good shape to go through from Group C after winning their opening Euro 2020 matches.

After surrendering a two-goal lead, the Dutch needed a dramatic late winner in their tough opener against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Austria picked up their first-ever Euros win at debutant North Macedonia’s expense.

The two teams now collide in their second match with Group C supremacy very much up for grabs. The Euro 2020 betting odds have the Dutch as significant favourites to win, but after showing some defensive issues against Ukraine, Austria should not be afraid to go and attack the Oranje.

Talking Points

Dutch delight at the expense of defence

The Netherlands made a stirring return to the Euros with a 3-2 win over an up-and-coming Ukraine side, which was arguably the most entertaining match of the tournament to date.

It was the Oranje’s first win in a major international tournament since beating Brazil in the third-place game of the 2014 World Cup and their first win at the European Championships since 2008.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

UEFA EURO 2020

Netherlands coach Frank de Boer was almost spot-on with his bold prediction that the Dutch would beat Ukraine 3-1. He had also predicted a 2-1 win over Austria and a 3-0 victory over North Macedonia in the group stage.

Despite not having the world-class attacking talent of years past, the Dutch looked dynamic going forward as they finished with 15 shots, seven of which were on target.

New PSG signing Gini Wijnaldum – who has a habit of popping up with big goals in big games – was excellent as he had a goal on five shots, while Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst looked quite effective as a strike partnership. Weghorst has now scored in each of his last two appearances for his country.

However, the Oranje’s aggressiveness on offence meant they were quite vulnerable defensively. They also weren’t helped by the absence of star centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who is still recovering from a groin injury. Teenager Jurrien Timber was handed a surprising start as a result.

Although, de Boer expects de Ligt to return against Austria, which should be a major boost for the Dutch defence.

Austria’s Arnautovic makes presence felt

Austria finally ended their long wait for their first-ever win at the Euros as they dispatched North Macedonia 3-1. Stefan Lainer scored the opener on 18 minutes, while substitutes Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic supplied the decisive goals after Goran Pandev equalised.

Can Austria sweep a win under Group C favourites Netherlands in upcoming Euro 2020 encounter? — Marko Arnautovic celebrates scoring Austria’s third goal against North Macedonia at the National Arena

Arnautovic’s celebration after his late goal has made the wrong kind of Euro 2020 news, but the veteran striker has nevertheless shown the value he still has on this side. The 32-year-old is by far the country’s most proven active goalscorer with 27 goals in 89 international caps.

Austria manager Franco Foda opted to start promising young stars Sasa Kalajdzic and Christophe Baumgartner over Gregoritsch and Arnautovic against North Macedonia. But after the youngsters disappointed with just one shot each, Foda could decide to make some changes up front against the Netherlands.

Foda also opted to start superstar David Alaba in the centre of a back three. However, the new Real Madrid man eventually moved further forward as they went in search of a winner and set up Gregoritsch’s goal.

Alaba will likely start in defence once again to help negate the dangerous Dutch forwards, but his role will change depending on the situation.

History

The Netherlands and Austria have squared off 18 times in total. The Dutch have the slight 8-6 advantage over Austria in terms of wins, with four draws.

However, the Dutch have dominated this matchup in recent years. The Oranje have won each of their last six matches against the Austrians. Their most recent meeting was in 20016, when the Dutch won 2-0. Gini Wijnaldum was one of the scorers in that match.

Betting Tip

	Netherlands vs Austria	Austria Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 1.90
	June 18, 3:00 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have the Netherlands priced as significant 1.58 favourites to beat Austria, who are a mere 5.20. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.95.

It’s understandable to see why the Oranje are such a big favourite. They looked quite impressive offensively against Ukraine, and their best defender is about to return.

However, de Boer showed why there are so many doubts about him as a manager. His team did not look all that disciplined in defence, which is partly why they gave up their two-goal lead.

That is why I am slightly leaning toward Austria to pull off a positive result against the Dutch. A draw would also be a great outcome for both sides, so it would not at all be surprising if they settled for a point.