Euro 2024: A former Man United player was the hero for Netherlands
Poland 1 - 2 Netherlands
Substitute Wout Weghorst clinched a late winner just two minutes after coming on, as the Netherlands kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a victory over Poland in Hamburg.
Despite missing their all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski due to a thigh injury, Poland stunned the Dutch early on when Adam Buksa scored with a header.
The Netherlands dominated play but missed several chances before Liverpool's Cody Gakpo equalised with a deflected shot past Wojciech Szczesny.
The Dutch continued to create opportunities, with Gakpo missing a clear chance before the break, sending Nathan Ake’s pullback over the bar from close range.
After the interval, Ronald Koeman’s side maintained their dominance. Szczesny made a crucial save from Denzel Dumfries, and youngster Xavi Simons drove an effort wide after being set up by Gakpo.
Just as it seemed they would have to settle for a draw, Weghorst, introduced in the 81st minute, secured the win with a close-range finish moments after coming on.
This victory is significant for the Netherlands, who face France next in Group D on Friday, while Poland will play Austria on the same day.
Netherlands battle for victory
The Netherlands haven't won the European Championship since 1988 – when current manager Koeman was a player – but are considered strong contenders in Germany. Despite losing key playmaker Frenkie de Jong to an ankle injury just before the tournament, they have a blend of youth and experience and came into the Euros with back-to-back 4-0 friendly wins against Canada and Iceland.
Their precise and confident passing created numerous chances, and they should have been well ahead before Buksa scored with one of Poland’s first opportunities.
Gakpo’s equaliser was deserved, but the Dutch continued to struggle with finishing. Koeman's decision to bring on former Manchester United loanee Weghorst paid off, as the striker displayed the movement and finishing that had been lacking, securing three valuable points.
Weghorst is no stranger to late heroics, having scored a stoppage-time equaliser against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Poland managed to cause problems despite the absence of their star player
Poland, without Lewandowski for their first game, put up a commendable fight. Some Polish fans were curious to see how the team would perform without the Barcelona forward, and they can take heart from this display.
The late goal was a tough blow, but Buksa, stepping in for Lewandowski, impressed by scoring the opener with a deft flick at the near post. That was Poland’s first shot on target, and they had other chances to double their lead, which might have been taken had Lewandowski been fit enough to come off the bench.
Lewandowski is expected to be available for Poland’s second game against Austria, and the team should be encouraged by their performance against one of the tournament favourites.
