Substitute Wout Weghorst clinched a late winner for the Netherlands, securing a 2-1 victory over Poland in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday.
The Burnley striker, who made a significant impact at the 2022 World Cup, delivered another standout performance in Hamburg, thwarting Poland’s efforts despite the absence of their star striker, Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona’s Lewandowski was replaced by Adam Buksa, who headed Poland into an early lead after 16 minutes.
Cody Gakpo equalized with a deflected shot at the Volksparkstadion.
Despite creating numerous chances, the Netherlands were unable to convert, and Poland’s performance improved as the match appeared to be heading for a draw.
However, Weghorst’s intervention in the 83rd minute delighted the Dutch supporters.
Dressed in their iconic vibrant orange, Dutch fans flooded the streets of Hamburg with high hopes for a second European Championship trophy.
Coach Ronald Koeman, in his second tenure, previously won the tournament with the Oranje 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 previous generations such as Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Robin van Persie, the current trio of forwards proved to be dynamic.
Liverpool winger Gakpo, along with Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons, took the creative lead, testing Wojciech Szczesny with a low drive.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders narrowly missed a good chance before Poland, under Michal Probierz, took the lead with one of their first offensive moves.
Antalyaspor striker Buksa scored with a glancing header from Piotr Zielinski’s corner after 16 minutes, beating Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Szczesny made a crucial save from Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, and Depay had two off-target attempts before Gakpo equalized.
Gakpo’s shot from just outside the area deflected off Bartosz Salamon, leaving Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny helpless.
Gakpo nearly put the Netherlands ahead with a close-range shot set up by Nathan Ake, but it went just over the bar.
Wearing a distinctive white sweatband, Depay shot narrowly wide in first-half stoppage time as the Dutch maintained control and accumulated shots.
Poland managed to contain their opponents more effectively in the second half, as the Netherlands struggled to generate ideas.
Verbruggen saved from Jakub Kiwior at his near post, while Denzel Dumfries posed a threat at the other end.
Stefan de Vrij headed a corner over, and the fluidity the Dutch displayed in the first half became harder to replicate as Poland’s confidence grew.
Weghorst finally broke the deadlock for the Oranje. He capitalized on his first chance, finishing clinically two minutes after coming on.
Ake, who also assisted Gakpo’s goal, slid a low cross into the box, which Weghorst neatly converted.
Buoyed by their late winner, the Netherlands will next face tournament favorites France on Friday, while Poland hopes to have Lewandowski fit to play against Austria.
