Netherlands won their group and earned a spot at the knockout phase of Euro 2020 with a composed victory over Austria, who were restricted to a handful of chances as their opponents oozed confidence.
Memphis Depay opened his countries account shortly into the match with a neat penalty, a goal which set the tone of proceedings as Austria were abject for much of their play.
Right back Denzel Dumfries scored his second goal in as many fixtures at the tournament after exemplary play from Depay, feeding it into Donyell Malen who in turn placed it swiftly into the path of Dumfries to fire home.
Netherlands have now won both of their games - beating Ukraine initially - and are in good stead to finish the group as the top seed.
Story of the Match
The entertaining fixture kicked off emphatically as Depay placed his penalty past Daniel Bachmann after Dumfries was trodden on on the edge of the area.
Depay's penalty set the tone of the first half as Netherlands took control of the affair and probed for a second, to no avail.
The versatile forward did, however, miss a delightful chance from a few yards out after Wout Weghorst sliced it across goal on a plate.
Austria urgency in vain
In the first half, Austria were woeful for large periods but came out with a renewed sense of invigoration as they sought out an equaliser.
Their efforts ultimately proved futile as Holland avoided any serious amount of sustained pressure and sealed the victory with their second half effort.
Wijnaldum runs the show
Dumfries and Depay stole the headlines from an offensive standpoint, yet it was captain Gini Wijnaldum who orchestrated the performance; a robust and commanding display - combined with the tireless work of Frenkie De Jong - allowed for his teammates to successfully find the openings they needed.
Key Takeaways
De Ligt adds defensive assurance
Against Ukraine, Netherlands conceded two goals in five minutes near the matches end in a showing of capitulation, only to see Dumfries bail them out with a powerful late strike.
The defensive holes remain. However, there is a clear advantage when Mattjis De Ligt is on the pitch; the young defender instils confidence at the back and calmly tackles when called upon.
The Dutch maintain their joyous approach
The Dutch have been healed as the competitions most entertaining team. They have enthralled viewers across the globe with their intense football headed by a fierce and enticing attack.
It is worth noting that Euro 2020's more prominent teams might just find success against Oranje, but for the present Holland will be satisfied with a second excellent victory.
Ukraine have looked sharp in both of their fixtures to date, defeating North Macedonia in the second match week and falling short to the Dutch in a simply fantastic match to kick their tournament off.
Austria will need to play to the brim of their potential if they are to prevail and earn a second win at a major tournament since 1990.
Next Time Out
Frank de Boer's Netherlands face North Macedonia at the Amsterdam Arena with the opportunity to top their group with maximum points.
Their opponents, in contrast, have failed to secure a victory in their maiden major tournament and now face their toughest test to date in Holland.
For Austria, a tie against Ukraine awaits with the winner certain of solidifying their place in the next round of the competition.