Austria in top nick with Ralf after emerging as Euros' dark horses

NOT SINCE the 1950s have Austria been genuinely capable of mixing it with the best teams on the continent, but under Ralf Rangnick they have emerged as dark horses and as Euro 2024's most thrilling watch.

- Dom Smith

Holland 2

Gakpo 47, Depay 75

Austria 3

Malen 6 (og), Schmid 59, Sabitzer 80

The setting sun shone fondly on their players at Berlin's Olympiastadion last night, following a 3-2 win over Holland that saw them top Group D ahead of both the Dutch and France.

Few had expected that eventuality, yet Austria played the best football of the group. After losing 1-0 against France thanks to an own goal, they regrouped and beat Poland 3-1 in a show of resolve.

Their prize is a seven-day rest and recovery period before facing the runners-up in Group F-likely Turkey-in Leipzig, familiar turf for Rangnick, who twice managed RB Leipzig.