Euro 2024: How Ralf Rangnick restored reputation with Austria

The end result in opposition to the Dutch was arguably the reward for Rangnick being afforded the time to form this Austria aspect in his imaginative and prescient.

Outcomes have been combined after he was appointed supervisor of the nationwide group in April 2022, however over time they’ve produced some spectacular shows, notably beating Italy and securing attracts with Belgium and France previous to this match.

Austria received three of their 4 video games earlier than heading to Germany and, after an personal purpose condemned them to a loss to France of their Group D opener, they responded with wins in opposition to Poland and now the Netherlands – one of many pre-tournament favourites.

On Tuesday, Rangnick’s group performed with relentless vitality and a starvation to win again the ball rapidly after dropping it. At instances, the Dutch gamers appeared exhausted within the face of their opponents’ want.

“You may see a transparent growth for the reason that coach joined the group,” Sabitzer added.

“Earlier than we have been a bit passive in opposition to the ball and now we have undoubtedly modified that.

“We at the moment are very sturdy in opposition to the ball, so everybody is aware of once we lose the ball now we have to modify and seek out the ball. That’s the largest distinction.”

Tom Middler, host of Austrian soccer podcast “The Different Bundesliga”, says this Austria aspect is a exact opposite to the one underneath Rangnick’s predecessor Franco Foda.

“On a couple of memorable events, Franco Foda gave his gamers an earful after they instinctively tried to maneuver ahead and press, so the present type could not be way more contrasting to the defensive, cautious Austria of earlier than,” he instructed BBC Sport.

“The gamers actually appear to respect [Rangnick] and they seem like very proud of him in cost as his soccer is way nearer to what most gamers know from their golf equipment.”