Substitute Wout Weghorst scored a decisive late goal just two minutes after entering the match, propelling the Netherlands to a victorious start in their Euro 2024 campaign with a 2-1 win against Poland at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion.
The game, played amid high anticipation and some pre-match tension, showcased the resilience and attacking prowess of the Dutch side.
The match was shadowed by an incident hours before kick-off when a man was shot by police near a fan gathering area in the city. Despite this unsettling event, the game proceeded and delivered an enthralling contest for the fans.
Poland, despite the absence of their all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski due to a thigh injury, managed to strike first. Adam Buksa capitalized on an early opportunity, heading the ball home to give Poland a surprising lead. This early goal stunned the Dutch, who had been dominating possession and creating chances but failing to convert them.
The Netherlands, undeterred, continued their aggressive play. Their efforts paid off when Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo scored the equalizer. Gakpo’s shot took a deflection, wrong-footing Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and leveling the score.
The Dutch side kept the pressure on, with Gakpo missing a golden opportunity to score his second goal just before halftime, sending Nathan Ake’s pullback over the bar from close range.
In the second half, Ronald Koeman’s team maintained their dominance. The Dutch attack was relentless, with Szczesny denying Denzel Dumfries from close range. Exciting young talent Xavi Simons also came close, driving a shot wide after being set up by Gakpo.
As the match progressed, it seemed destined to end in a draw. However, Koeman’s strategic substitution in the 81st minute turned the tide. Burnley striker Wout Weghorst, brought on late in the game, made an immediate impact.
Just two minutes after entering the pitch, Weghorst found himself in the right place at the right time to score the winning goal with a close-range finish, securing a dramatic victory for the Netherlands.
This win is a significant boost for the Netherlands as they prepare for their next Group D match against France on Friday. Poland, on the other hand, will be looking to regroup and secure points in their upcoming match against Austria on the same day.
The Dutch team’s performance, especially their ability to bounce back from an early setback, sets a positive tone for their Euro 2024 campaign.
