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Netherlands v Austria: Early qualification up for grabs in Amsterdam

Wout Weghorst

There is a big opportunity for both Netherlands and Austria when they meet at Euro 2020 in Amsterdam.

When: Thursday June 17, 20:00 BST

Where: Amsterdam

How to watch: BBC

Best Bets

Two goal winning margin for someone at 14/5

Red card in the match at 7/2

Netherlands to win both halves at 3/1

Both the Netherlands and Austria will be hoping for more of the same when they meet in Amsterdam.
Both of these sides won their opening matches, with the Netherlands winning a thriller against Ukraine and Austria downing North Macedonia.
That means either one of them could secure their spot in the next round with a win in this one.

Previous three meetings

Austria 0-2 Netherlands (Friendly - June 4, 2016)
The Netherlands have dominated recent matches between these two and it was different in Vienna five years ago.
Georginio Wijnaldum, who scored in their Euro 2020 opener against Ukraine, was on the scoreheet in this one, as was Vincent Janssen in a routine win.
Netherlands 3-1 Austria (Friendly - February 9, 2011)
There were more star names at the Netherlands' disposal back in 2011 when they played Austria than there probably are now, and that showed on the shoresheet too.
Wesley Sneijder opened the scoring in the first half and Klaas Jan Huntelaar doubled it just after the break.
A Dirk Kuyt penalty put the result to bed, with Marko Arnautovic bagging a late consolation from the spot.
Austria 3-4 Netherlands (Friendly - March 26, 2008)
We'd all surely take a repeat of this goalfest when they meet in Amsterdam this week, and it may not be as far fetched as many believe.
Remarkably, Austria held a 3-0 lead inside 37 minutes through Andreas Ivanschitz and a Sebastian Prodl double.
However, a double from Huntelaar and goals from Johnny Heitinga and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink turned it around for the Dutch.

Netherlands look vulnerable

There is little doubt that the Netherlands showed some fragility against Ukraine, although they deserve credit for being able to dig out a win.

While there can be no denying that they entertained, defensively there must be serious question marks over Frank De Boer's men.

They may be helped by the return of Matthijs de Ligt in defence, although it appears the match may come just too early for the Juventus man.

Netherlands squad

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul, Maarten Stekelenburg
Defenders: Nathan Ake, Daley Blind, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries, Jurriem Timber, Patrick van Aanholt, Joel Veltman, Owen Wijndal
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Davy Klaassen, Teun Koopmeiners, Georginio Wijnaldum
Forwards: Steven Berghuis, Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen, Quincy Promes, Wout Weghorst

Austria weathering Arnautovic storm

Marko Arnautovic scored in Austria's opening match but he will have to sit this one out due to suspension.
That is due to a one match ban handed to him by UEFA after being found guilty of 'insulting another player.'

The former West Ham man, who has Serbian roots, appeared to direct comments at North Macedonian duo Egzon Bejtulai and Gjanni Alioski, who both have Albanian heritage.

"There were some heated words in the emotions of the game for which I would like to apologise, especially to my friends from North Macedonia and Albania," Arnautovic said.

"I would like to say one thing very clearly: I am not a racist."

Austria squad

Goalkeepers: Daniel Bachmann, Pavao Pervan, Alexander Schlager
Defenders: David Alaba, Aleksandar Dragovic, Marco Friedl, Martin Hinteregger, Stefan Lainer, Philipp Lienhart, Phillipp Mwene, Stefan Posch, Christopher Trimmel, Andreas Ulmer
Midfielders: Husein Balic, Julian Baumgartlinger, Christoph Baumgartner, Florian Grillitsch, Stefan Ilsanker, Konrad Laimer, Valentino Lazaro, Marcel Sabitzer, Louis Schaub, Xaver Schlager, Alessandro Schopf
Forwards: Marko Arnautovic, Michael Gregoritsch, Sasa Kalajdzic, Karim Onisiwo

International head-to-head

Netherlands wins: 8

Draws: 4

Austria wins: 6

Goalscorer bets

Michael Gregoritsch came off the bench to score the go-ahead goal for Austria in their win in over North Macedonia and he looks well-positioned to earn a start against the Netherlands.

That may make his odds of 7/2 to score the first goal and given the Netherlands' shaky defence that may tempt many.

Netherland striker Wout Weghorst also found the net in the opening match, and he can be backed at 3/1 for the first goal against Austria.

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