Netherlands vs Austria Predictions

• Both teams have scored in four of Austria’s last five matches
• The Dutch have scored 15 goals across six games in 2024
• Baumgartner has scored in six of his last seven appearances for Austria

Encouraging start for Austria

After pushing the French hard in their opening game, Austria picked up a deserved win against Poland last time out. That 3-1 win has taken them onto three points with a +1 goal difference, which is a strong position heading into the final round of group matches.

In fact, Austria are the best-positioned third-placed side heading into the last round of group matches, while they have the chance to leap into the top two with a victory over the Dutch in Berlin. The Netherlands have given a strong account of themselves too, drawing 0-0 with France after their comeback win over Poland.

That’s set the stage for a showdown for second, but how much jeopardy is there in this contest?

Test of Oranje ambitions

The Netherlands could easily be sitting top of Group D with two wins from two, but they are still ahead of France despite their late strike being chalked off. The Dutch lead the way on the basis of goals scored, so if they match or better France’s result against Poland they’ll secure top spot and avoid meetings with the likes of Portugal and Germany in the near future.

The Dutch could go all out for first here, or they could choose to hold back knowing that a point takes them safely through. Ronald Koeman needs to show a little ambition, especially given how the bracket is opening up for the Group D winner to storm to the semis without meeting a major nation.

Austria may well take that choice out of their hands, as their aggressive pressing style doesn’t really mix with sitting back and accepting a point. The Austrians have pushed forward in both games so far and they will likely test the Dutch defence.

Baumgartner to continue brilliant run

Austria had nine shots on target against Poland and they will test a Dutch side who have Nathan Ake at left-back and the wandering Denzel Dumfries on the right side. Austria look very comfortable with Ralf Rangnick’s style of play and the intensity with which they harry opposition defenders should test a Dutch side that fell behind to Poland in their opener.

Austria have seen both teams score in four of their last five games and they meet a Dutch side who have 15 goals to their name in 2024. The pair look capable of scoring at least once early on, which could lead to a situation similar to Scotland and Switzerland’s 1-1 draw where the pair settled for the point later on.

Austria have the talent to score early on and forward Christoph Baumgartner heads into the game having scored in six of his last seven matches for his country. He’s the standout goalscorer option in this one, with both teams to score my best bet.