Cody Gakpo scored his second goal of the Euros on Tuesday night, but the Netherlands endured a 3-2 defeat to Austria, leaving captain Virgil van Dijk incensed.
Entering the tournament, the Netherlands were perceived as dark horses for the title, boasting a strong team under Ronald Koeman.
However, the group stage proved challenging, with a tight 2-1 victory over Poland and a goalless draw against France, where they played defensively to secure a point.
Their final Group D match on Tuesday, with four points, placed them in a favorable position to advance but still required a positive outcome – or favorable results from other matches – to ensure progression to the last 16.
Facing Ralf Rangnick's Austria, the Dutch team experienced an early shock when Donyell Malen inadvertently deflected Alexander Prass' cross into his own net.
Austria dominated the first half, but the Netherlands stepped up post-interval with Xavi Simons' introduction.
Simons' breakaway led to the leveller, as he surged forward and set up Gakpo, who drifted away from the defense, switched to his right foot, and curled the ball in.
Gakpo's second tournament goal continued his excellent form, especially on the left wing.
Austria regained the lead with Romano Schmid's header, but Memphis Depay equalized with a creative finish following Wout Weghorst's nod-down from Gakpo's delivery.
The decisive goal arrived five minutes later when Marcel Sabitzer slipped into the area and struck a shot into the far top corner, sealing the 3-2 victory.
Van Dijk's defensive performance was questionable throughout, and he was notably out of position for Sabitzer's goal, lagging behind his defensive line.
Thus, it was not entirely unexpected when the Liverpool defender made a swift departure from the pitch.
