Netherlands survived an early scare to defeat Poland 2-1 in Hamburg within the opening recreation of Workforce D at Euro 2024 as former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst got here off the bench to attain a overdue winner.
Robert Lewandowski was once absent for the Poles because of a hamstring trauma, however his substitute Adam Buksa stuffed the void to look Michal Probierz’s aspect in entrance (16) from Piotr Zielinski’s nook.
Netherlands, who had already overlooked excellent possibilities via Tijjani Reijnders and Xavi Simons, should have levelled when Memphis Depay lifted his shot over the bar six mins upcoming – however they restored parity when Cody Gakpo’s deflected shot wrong-footed Wojciech Szczesny (29).
It was once the primary of 5 makes an attempt Gakpo had within the first part all the way through a wasteful efficiency – the joint-most on report (since 1980) for a Dutch participant within the first part of a fit on the Euros.
Poland wanted the interlude, however they confirmed extra attacking intent upon the restart as Jakub Kiwior’s shot took a nick off Nathan Ake and compelled Bart Verbruggen to put together the save, sooner than Piotr Zielinski’s struggle from 20 yards introduced every other sly prevent from the Dutch goalkeeper.
This was once a spirited Polish crew however nearest Denzel Dumfries swept every other struggle broad of the a ways publish, it was once change Weghorst – nonetheless a Burnley participant – who scored the winner inside of 5 mins of coming off the bench, latching onto a bright via ball from Ake to steer house his 7th function in his extreme 11 appearances for the Oranje.
Bartosz Salamon fights for the ball with Memphis Depay
Poland refused to surrender as change Karol Swiderski just about levelled when he met Jakub Piotrowski’s go to fireside low in opposition to the related publish and feature Verbruggen at complete stretch sooner than Piotrowski’s follow-up was once blazed into the side-netting.
The end result method the Netherlands govern the gang forward of France going through Austria within the alternative fit from the hole gameweek in Düsseldorf on Monday.
Koeman is aware of Dutch will have to play games higher to govern team
Adam Buska celebrates nearest heading Poland in entrance towards the Netherlands
Sky Sports activities’ Ben Fields:
“This was not the most convincing of victories but an important one for the Dutch. They had to be patient here in Hamburg but the relief was etched all over Ronald Koeman’s face following Weghorst’s late intervention. The Netherlands lost twice to Group D counterparts France in qualifying so there is very little margin for error.
“They’d entered the match with six wins in seven fits and 21 objectives scored all the way through that length – they usually confirmed a fantastic reaction to Buksa’s opener and in reality should have sealed this victory lengthy sooner than the person nonetheless on Burnley’s books did.
Memphis Depay beats Nicola Zalewski to the ball
“Koeman knows his side must play a lot better to top the group. His men dictated possession only for Poland to go close when Nicola Zalewski had a header saved by Brighton’s Verbruggen.
“That mentioned, the Dutch have a supervisor who’s in a position to making tactical alterations that may come to a decision video games as he grew to become to his bench for Weghorst to grant the solution when he rifled house Ake’s low ball into the branch simply two mins nearest approaching.
“We still we await our first draw, and in truth we still await our first surprise of the tournament. It’s going to form so far. A brave defeat for Poland.”
Gakpo: We must be extra scientific
Cody Gakpo rankings the Netherlands’ equaliser towards Poland
Netherlands‘ ahead Cody Gakpo:
“It was a tough match, a tough opponent. They scored first, so it was a little bit more difficult, but we created a lot of good opportunities, good chances. We have to be more clinical. Overall, we performed pretty well.
“We need to analyse the sport and spot the place shall we harm them extra and nearest remove that to the after one.
“I think it’s a strength of our team that, even though for some it’s the first time, they [the younger players] performed well.”
Stats: Tale of the fit
Dutch pride – Opta stats
Wojciech Szczesny makes an early save to disclaim the Dutch
- Cody Gakpo has scored in all 4 of his team level begins for the Netherlands at main tournaments (4 objectives on the International Cup/EUROs), era he’s now scored in his first get started at each the International Cup and Eu Championships.
- Wout Weghorst scored the quickest function by way of a Netherlands change on the Eu Championships, netting the profitable function of the sport simply two mins and 18 seconds nearest coming off the bench.
- Netherlands had 21 pictures towards Poland – their maximum in a recreation at a big match (International Cup/EUROs) since 2012 towards Denmark (32).
- Since shedding all 3 video games at EURO 2012, Netherlands have long past unbeaten in 10 immediately team level video games at main tournaments (International Cup/EUROs), profitable 9 of the ones (D1).