Netherlands defeat Austria 2-0 to reach last 16 of Euro 2020

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - The Netherlands advanced to the Round of 16 of the Euro 2020 Thursday after beating Austria 2-0 in Group C at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands took control at the beginning when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) awarded a penalty for a foul by David Alaba on Denzel Dumfries.

Memphis Depay converted it successfully to give his team an early 1-0 lead in the 11th minute.

The Netherlands missed a great chance in the 40th minute when Depay skied the ball over the bar from six yards out.

In the second half, the Netherlands were close to scoring again with a corner kick, but Stefan de Vrij's header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann in the 61st minute.

The home side finally doubled the lead after Dumfries had a close-range finish, assisted by Donyell Malen in the 67th minute.

Having qualified for last 16 with one match left, the Netherlands topped Group C by collecting six points.

Ukraine and Austria each have three points, followed by North Macedonia, sitting at the bottom without any points.