Wout Weghorst came off the bench in the 81st minute to secure the Netherlands an opening victory in Group D.
Michał Probierz’s resilient Poland couldn’t hold on as a progressive Netherlands claimed all three points in UEFA EURO 2024 Group D – the sides’ first-ever meeting in a major tournament.
Wojciech Szczęsny was called into immediate action when Cody Gakpo’s drilled effort inside two minutes set the tone at Volksparkstadion.
A direct approach from the Netherlands seemed to have caught a hesitant Poland off guard as their long balls from deep targeted the heart of the Eagles’ back line.
More Dutch pressure ensued, Tijjani Reijnders dragging wide following a slick combination with Jerdy Schouten, and yet Poland stayed resolute, gained a foothold and promptly claimed the lead when Adam Buksa outjumped Dutch markers to glance in an excellent Piotr Zieliński corner.
The Oranje responded. Virgil van Dijk unleashed a volley from the edge of the area, requiring Szczęsny – the first Polish goalkeeper to appear at four EUROs – to parry. Memphis Depay also went close twice.
Michał Probierz’s side, unable to deploy the injured Robert Lewandowski, were brought back to earth just before the half-hour when Gakpo’s strike from distance deflected past Szczęsny. Moments before half-time, Depay engineered a chance to edge the Netherlands ahead, but steered his effort wide.
Xavi Simons and Depay mustered several quick opportunities as the Oranje were quick out of traps for the second half.
In return, Poland mounted a double attack, with Jakub Kiwior and Zieliński both testing Bart Verbruggen as Probierz’s team proceeded to enjoy their best spell of the afternoon.
However, just as the match seemed destined for a draw, 81st-minute substitute Wout Weghorst latched onto Nathan Aké’s delivery and turned in the winner, two minutes and 18 seconds after his emergence.
A disappointing end for Poland, but persistence – and Ronald Koeman’s replacements – paid off for the Dutch who claimed the first victory from an lively encounter in Group D.
UEFA
