"Making the same mistake as Nagelsmann" - Netherlands fans slam Ronald Koeman as ex-Manchester United star starts against Austria
The Netherlands have announced their starting lineup for their final Euro 2024 group game against Austria. Some of the Dutch fans weren't happy to see Memphis Depay in the XI.
With four points in two games, the Oranje need at least a draw against Austria to make the last 16. But they will also want to top the group for a favorable knockout draw France, also on four points, are second in the group by virtue of fewer goals scored.
Ronald Koeman's side can't lose this pressure game and fans aren't feeling too confident after seeing Depay start as the striker. The former Manchester United attacker has been underwhelming at the ongoing championship, failing to score or assist in their previous two games.
Despite that, Depay has managed to retain his position in Koeman's XI for a game where Netherlands must equal or better France's result to finish as Group D winners. It triggered a host of reactions on X from their supporters, with one fan saying:
Another user wrote:
"Memphis flop incoming."
One fan commented:
"Let’s hope Depay has an actual good game."
Another X user, Carlos F. Banegas, wrote:
"Dapay again??! Making same mistakes as Nagelsmann starting Havertz!"
Here's one more reaction on the Dutch starting XI:
The Netherlands face Austria at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Tuesday, June 25.
The Netherlands on a seven-game winning run against Austria
Coming into the Berlin showdown, the Netherlands will feel confident of their chances against Austria. They've won the fixture seven times in a row now. This includes a 2-0 win in the group stages of Euro 2020, three years ago, and interestingly, Memphis Depay was one of the scorers for the Oranje that day.
Austria's last win over the Dutch came back in May 1990, when Das Team secured a 3-2 victory in a friendly game in Vienna. A similar result in their latest encounter would be helpful in confirming their spot in the last-16, with a stunning 3-1 win over Poland in their last outing adding wind to their sails.
Ronald Koeman's side, though, have been defensively resolute lately, keeping a clean sheet in four of their last six games in all competitions. It will take a mighty effort from the Austrians here.