Ronald Koeman makes the most brutal substitution of all-time as Netherlands player looks visibly distraught

Ronald Koeman brutally substituted one of his players after just 33 minutes of Netherlands' crunch Euro 2024 group stage clash against Austria.

Netherlands went 1-0 down inside just six minutes after Donyell Malen inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.

The goal provisionally puts them in third place in Group D, although they would still qualify from that position as they have higher points tallies than the teams from Group A and Group B.

However, it goes without saying that the Dutch would be presented with a more favourable draw with a first or second place finish - meaning a positive result against Austria is vital.

And after 33 minutes, with his side still 1-0 down, Koeman decided to switch things up with a rare first half tactical substitution.

He hooked midfielder Joey Veerman, who lost possession nine times in the opening 20 minutes and 15 times overall, and replaced him with midfielder Xavi Simons, who had been dropped from the starting XI.

And Veerman's reaction to the substitution said it all.

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It was a rare poor performance from the midfielder, who starred for PSV in the Eredivisie last season with five goals and an incredible 16 assists.

The 25-year-old's displays have linked him with a potential move to Real Madrid, although he attempted to pour cold water on those rumours earlier this month.

Fortunately for the Netherlands, they started the second half on a much more positive note, with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo putting them level on 47 minutes. Simons was involved in the build-up to the goal.

A draw will still be enough for Ralf Rangnick's Austria to qualify for the knockout stages, although defeat could leave them vulnerable to current fourth-placed team Poland if they can beat France and sufficiently turn around their goal difference.

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