Netherlands secure last 16 spot after win over Austria

Netherlands secure last 16 spot after win over Austria as Memphis Depay and Dumfried score (Match Highlights)

The Netherlands are through to the last 16 of Euro 2020 after defeating Austria in Amsterdam to win Group C with a game to go.

After outclassing the visitors in front of 12,000 supporters at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Frank de Boer's team, who overcame Ukraine in their opening match, appear to be finding their rhythm.

David Alaba brought down flying wing-back Denzel Dumfries for talisman Memphis Depay put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot.

Dumfries crowned a fantastic performance by adding the second from a quick burst in the second half.

The Dutch have advanced to the knockout stages of the European Championship for the first time since 2008 after failing to qualify for the previous two major tournaments.

Austria won their first game against North Macedonia, and their fate will be decided in the last group encounter against Ukraine.

De Boer was chastised for playing a 5-3-2 formation in the build-up, but he persisted with it following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ukraine.

He was vindicated when the Netherlands qualified for the knockout stages of their first major event since reaching the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

The rampaging Dumfries, who plays more like a right-wing forward, has been one of the main beneficiaries of the system.

🇳🇱 🌟 Denzel Dumfries... again! The flying full-back picks up his second Star of the Match trophy 🙌@Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/e8KEy1SGlm
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021

And it was the PSV Eindhoven defender who was caught in the area 10 minutes in, with the penalty awarded after the video assistant referee intervened.

Depay then put the hosts ahead with his 27th international goal, eight of which have come since De Boer took over in September, and he has been involved in 27 goals in his country's last 22 games.

🦁 Memphis Depay has been directly involved in 49 goals in 66 Netherlands appearances (27 goals, 22 assists) 🔥🔥🔥#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/sjHTVshT4k
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021

The Lyon striker had earlier squandered a golden opportunity to increase his tally, but he started the play for the Netherlands' second goal when he put Donyell Malen free, who unselfishly squared the ball for Dumfries to slot in for his second goal of the tournament.

The return of Matthijs de Ligt from a groin injury solidified what had appeared to be a fragile Dutch backline in the first game, and Austria didn't threaten the hosts until the final 10 minutes, with Alaba going close with a strike.

In the next round, the Netherlands will face the third-place finisher from Group D, E, or F.