The Netherlands and Austria won the opening match of Group C European Cup 2020. Monday (14/6) midnight IST. Austria won 3-1 over North Macedonia at the Arena Stadium in Bucharest, while the Netherlands beat Ukraine 3-2 at the Johann Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, in a fierce match, in which all five goals came in the second half.
Appearing in front of the public itself, the Dutch immediately appeared attacking since the duel began. In the second minute, Memphis Depay opened fire on goal but was saved by Ukrainian goalkeeper George Buchan.
Andriy Yarmolenko tried to counterattack the Dutch defense in the fourth minute. However, Yarmolenko's header from a corner did not harm the Dutch side.
Ukraine goalkeeper Buschan performed brilliantly in this match, especially in the first half. The goalkeeper made another crucial save when he blocked Denzel Dumfries' shot in the sixth minute.
Buschan again became the savior of Ukraine, in the 38th minute. Bushchan denied Gini Wijnaldum's goal with a shot from inside the penalty box. Two minutes later, it was Dumfries' turn to waste another chance for the Dutch to score. Dumfries got a fine cross from Depay.
It's just that PSV Eindhoven's wingback header, which was in a position without a tight guard, was still wide of the Ukrainian goal. The first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the second half, the Netherlands again immediately kicked off. As a result, the second half lasted less than 15 minutes. Team Orange was able to score two goals. The first goal was born from the feet of the captain Wijnaldum who continued to throw the ball in the 52nd minute. Lapse of seven minutes later, Wout Weghorst goalkeeper Ukraine.
Ukraine thinned the position in the 75th minute through Andriy Yarmalenko. The curved ball from his left foot shot could not be reached by Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Only four minutes later, Ukraine managed to balance the situation. Roman Yaremchuk's header scored against Stekelenburg for the second time. Score draw 2-2.
The Netherlands took the lead again with five minutes remaining. After wasting several chances, Denzel Dumfries finally scored. His header ball after receiving feedback from Nathan Ake slid smoothly into the Ukraine goal. The Netherlands led 3-2 until the game was over.
In the previous Group C match, Austria managed to beat North Macedonia 3-1. In the match which took place at the National Arena, Bucharest, Romania, Sunday (13/6) Night IST, the two teams drew 1-1 in the first half after Stefan Lainer gave Austria the lead and Goran Pandev scored a reply.
Despite being a debutant, North Macedonia appeared dangerous with a quick counter-attack. Austria made trouble and even almost left behind.
Austria returned to a 2-1 lead through Michael Gregoritsch, who came on as a substitute and he celebrated by sending a message of support for Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen. This is the 700th goal in European Cup history.
Another substitute, Marko Arnautovic, ensured Austria's victory through his goal in the 89th minute. What is special, this is Austria's first victory in the European Cup. As for a major tournament, this was Austria's first win since they beat the United States at the 1990 World Cup.
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