Netherlands Edge Out Poland in Euro 2024 Opener

The Netherlands secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Poland in their Euro 2024 Group D opener in Hamburg, thanks to a late strike from supersub Wout Weghorst.
Poland took a surprise lead in the 16th minute when Adam Buksa glanced home a near-post header from Piotr Zielinski’s corner, capitalizing on the Netherlands’ vulnerability at set-pieces. However, the Dutch responded swiftly, with Cody Gakpo’s deflected shot from outside the box leveling the scores in the 29th minute.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Netherlands struggled to break down a resolute Polish defence in the second half. Ronald Koeman introduced substitutes Donyell Malen, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jeremie Frimpong, and Weghorst to inject fresh impetus into the Dutch attack.

Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Weghorst, just minutes after coming on, pounced on a cutback from Nathan Ake to smash home the winner from close range, silencing the Polish supporters. The Dutch had to endure a nervy finish as Poland pushed for an equalizer, but goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Key Moments

16′ – Adam Buksa heads Poland into the lead from Zielinski’s corner.
29′ – Cody Gakpo equalizes with a deflected shot.
83′ – Wout Weghorst scores the winner with a close-range finish shortly after coming on as a substitute.

Weghorst, who has developed a reputation as a supersub for the Netherlands, now has four goals in five national team games this year, including three at Euro 2024. His impact off the bench proved decisive as the Dutch kickstarted their campaign with a hard-earned three points against a stubborn Polish side missing the injured Robert Lewandowski.