Euro 2020: Netherlands book last 16 spot plus a look ahead to Friday

Joe Hewlett
17 June 2021

Memphis Depay celebrates after scoring a penalty against Austria

Netherlands join Italy and Belgium into the next round after a comfortable victory over Austria in Amsterdam.

Netherlands maintained their perfect start to Euro 2020 and progressed into the knockout phase with a 2-0 victory over Austria.

Memphis Depay, who looks set to join Barcelona this summer, opened proceedings in the opening half, converting a penalty won by Denzel Dumfries. The penalty was awarded after VAR reversed its original decision.

Depay was also involved in the second goal, taking advantage of Austria's high line with a flick to Donyell Malen who set up Denzel Dumfries for a 67th minute tap-in.

Read the full report on our sister site Football365 here.

Frank de Boer's side joined Italy and Belgium into the last 16 and will top Group C heading into the final game of the group phase. They are currently 12/1 to win the competition.

For Austria, who sit third on goal difference, they play second place Ukraine next in a game which will determine the fate of both nations.

Stats of the day

Dumfries has scored for the second game in a row at this year's Euros and became just the second Dutchman to do so - the other being Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Netherlands have recorded back-to-back wins at the European Championships for the third time - the other two being in 2000 as hosts, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals to Italy - and 2008, before losing Russia in the quarter-final.

Oranje have now won their last seven meetings against Austria and last tasted defeat 31 years ago. That was in June 1990 in an international friendly which ended 3-2 to Austria despite goals from Marco van Basten and Ronald Koeman.

What's next for both sides?

Netherlands can make it three wins out of three when they face North Macedonia on Monday at 5pm BST.

It could be a good chance for De Boer to rest some of his key players, including Georginio Wijnaldum and Depay before they enter the knockout phase.

Memphis Depay celebrates after scoring a penalty against Austria

Meanwhile, Austria currently sit in third place and must beat Ukraine - who are one place above them on goal difference - to secure progression into the next round. However, a draw would more than likely be enough for Austria to qualify in third.

Friday's fixtures

Sweden vs Slovakia 2pm BST

Saint Petersburg is host to the opening game of Friday between Sweden and Group E leaders Slovakia.

Slovakia can confirm their place in the last-16 with another three points while Sweden can jump into first spot with victory.

Croatia vs Czech Republic 5pm BST

In Group D, Croatia look to bounce back from their underwhelming defeat to England as they take on Czech Republic.

The sides meet at Hampden Park - the same venue where Patrik Schick broke Scottish hearts in the opening fixture of the tournament.

England vs Scotland 8pm BST

In the standout fixture of the day, England entertain rivals Scotland at Wembley Stadium.

The last time both sides played each other in a major tournament was at Euro 96, where England overcame Scotland 2-0. Gareth Southgate - current England manager - played in the memorable victory.