Substitute Wout Weghorst secured a dramatic late winner for the Netherlands, clinching a 2-1 victory over Poland in their opening Euro 2024 match on Sunday.
The Burnley striker, who made a significant impact at the 2022 World Cup, once again demonstrated his knack for delivering in crucial moments.
Poland, playing without their injured star striker Robert Lewandowski, put up a strong resistance but ultimately fell short at the Volksparkstadion.
Poland struck first through Adam Buksa, who headed in after 16 minutes, filling in admirably for Lewandowski. The Netherlands equalized when Cody Gakpo’s deflected effort found the net.
Despite multiple chances, the game seemed destined for a draw until Weghorst’s decisive intervention in the 83rd minute.
The streets of Hamburg were awash with Dutch fans in their vibrant orange, eagerly anticipating a strong performance. Under the guidance of coach Ronald Koeman, who won the tournament as a player in 1988, the Oranje were keen to begin their campaign with a win.
The Netherlands started strongly, with their current attacking trio of Gakpo, Memphis Depay, and Xavi Simons displaying dynamic play. Liverpool winger Gakpo, taking on a creative role, tested Poland’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny early with a low drive.
Despite their dominance, it was Poland who scored first against the run of play, with Buksa’s glancing header from Piotr Zielinski’s corner.
The Dutch quickly sought to level the score, with captain Virgil van Dijk and Depay both coming close. Their efforts paid off when Gakpo’s shot from outside the area deflected off Bartosz Salamon, leaving Szczesny helpless.
In the second half, Poland managed to stifle the Netherlands’ attacks, creating a more balanced contest. Verbruggen made a crucial save from Jakub Kiwior, while Denzel Dumfries posed a threat at the other end.
Despite several missed opportunities, including Stefan de Vrij heading over from a corner, the Dutch struggled to break down the Polish defense.
The breakthrough came with Weghorst’s introduction. Just two minutes after coming on, he latched onto Nathan Ake’s low cross, finishing clinically to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, the Netherlands will face tournament favorites France on Friday, while Poland will play Austria, hoping to have Lewandowski fit and ready.
“We were together outside around 9:48 pm when they suddenly invaded our house. I don’t know them and my late husband had no misunderstanding with anybody before he died,” said Omolayo Olalere, recounting the terrifying moment with the attackers.
“My son is a quiet person. I don’t know what could have prompted those guys to invade my house and destroy many things before killing him,” lamented Jelili Olalere, the father of the deceased.
Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, for comments were unsuccessful as his phone number was not reachable.
Next Matches:
Netherlands vs France: The Dutch will take on tournament favorites France on Friday, aiming to build on their opening victory.
Poland vs Austria: Poland will face Austria, hoping to bounce back with a fit Robert Lewandowski.
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed analysis of Euro 2024 matches.
