Euro 2024: Weghorst’s late winner saves Netherlands in opener against Poland

Substitute Wout Weghorst secured a late victory for the Netherlands with a 2-1 win over Poland on Sunday (Jun 16) in their opening Euro 2024 match.

The former Manchester United striker, who made a significant impact at the 2022 World Cup, again showcased his prowess in Hamburg. Poland managed to frustrate their opponents despite missing their injured striker Robert Lewandowski. Adam Buksa, filling in for Lewandowski, headed Poland into the lead after 16 minutes. Cody Gakpo equalized for the Netherlands with a deflected shot at the Volksparkstadion.

The Netherlands struggled to capitalize on further chances while Poland’s performance improved, making a draw seem likely. However, Weghorst’s 83rd-minute intervention thrilled Dutch fans.

Dressed in their traditional vibrant orange, Dutch supporters filled the streets of Hamburg before the match, hoping for a second European Championship title. Coach Ronald Koeman, in his second term, had previously won the tournament as a player in 1988.

The Netherlands, who had a strong showing at the Qatar World Cup two years ago after missing Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, started the match energetically.

Despite lacking the star power of past generations like Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Robin van Persie, the current Dutch forwards are dynamic. Liverpool winger Gakpo led the charge alongside Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons, testing Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny with a low drive.

Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders narrowly missed a good chance before Poland’s Michal Probierz’s side took the lead with one of their first attacks. Buksa’s glancing header from Piotr Zielinski’s corner beat Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Szczesny made a great save from Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, and Depay missed two shots before Gakpo equalized with a deflected shot from just outside the area, leaving Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny helpless.

Gakpo almost put the Netherlands ahead from close range, set up by Nathan Ake, but his shot was slightly too high. Depay, wearing a distinctive white sweatband, fired wide in first-half stoppage time as the Dutch continued to control the game and create chances.

Poland managed to stifle the Netherlands more effectively in the second half, with the Dutch running out of ideas. Verbruggen saved from Jakub Kiwior at his near post, and Denzel Dumfries had two chances at the other end.

Stefan de Vrij headed over a corner, and the Netherlands’ fluency from the first half became harder to find as Poland’s confidence grew. It took Weghorst to finally give the Oranje the lead, finishing clinically two minutes after coming on.

Ake, who also assisted Gakpo for the equalizer, slid a low cross into the box, and Weghorst finished it neatly.

With this late winner, the Netherlands will next face tournament favorites France on Friday (Jun 21), while Poland will take on Austria, hoping Lewandowski will be fit to play.