The Netherlands continued their winning start to their Euro 2020 campaign, as they beat Austria 2-0 and secured their place in the round of 16 of the competition. Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and imminent transfer Memphis Depay both stole the show in the all-important victory.
De Jong was particularly stellar in midfield, as he had 77 touches, made one key pass, completed 49 out of his 58 passes, won four duels, and completed five dribbles out of seven, which is more than anyone else on the pitch. He was also not dribbled past even once by the opposition.
Needless to say, the Barcelona midfielder was delighted with his performance as well as the team’s. He spoke to the media in the post-match presser, happy that the Netherlands were through to the next round of the Euros before even playing their final group game against North Macedonia.
“This feels so good, but we also want to win the last game! I feel very fit, I feel great. We look forward to playing in a packed stadium in Budapest and hopefully many Dutch fans will come with us and we can create a party,” began de Jong.
“I feel good. I had some cramps, but maybe it was because of the tension,” he added when asked about his silky smooth moves in midfield on the night. He continued his stellar form for the Dutch national side after a brilliant performance against Ukraine in the opening game.
Looking ahead to Holland’s final group game, de Jong said: “It’s a perfect scenario, winning the group with one match to go. The pressure is off for the last match, even though we still want to win it.”
“Playing a final tournament with your country has always been a dream of mine. And to do that here, with our own supporters, it feels fantastic,” concluded the Dutchman on what it meant to play for his nation at such a high level.
