Euro 2024: Netherlands have started their Euro 2024 campaign on a winning note as striker Wout Weghorst grabbed a late winner for the Dutch against Poland to register a 2-1 win over Poland. The 1988 Euro winners are under a new management in this year's Euros, as former FC Barcelona coach and legendary player Ronald Koeman has taken over the reigns of the national team from Louis Van Gaal.
Netherlands Vs Poland Euro 2024 Group D Match Key Points
Netherlands are in a tough Group D, as the group consists of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar runners-up France, Poland, and Austria, and grabbing three points is very vital to begin your campaign with. The Dutch started dominating the game from the word go, but were stunned in the 16th minute, as a corner from Poitr Zielinski was met by Adam Buksa via a header and Poland took the lead against the odds.
No expert gave Poland a chance as they werw without the services of their talisman and legendary striker Robert Lewandowski, as he was on the bench due to injury cocnerns. However, Netherlands did not sit back and responded in style as Nathan Ake robbed Poland off the possession in the middle of the park and assisted Cody Gakpo for the equaliser.
Lazy movement from Dutch forwards, especially Memphis Depay resulted in them ruing their missed chances. However, 'super-sub' Wout Weghorst was introduced into the play in the 81st minute and scored the late winner with the FIRST TOUCH OF HIS MATCH!
"Wout Weghorst was able to play and he has added value to the team. He has a different way of behaving and that is what we needed. This should have been 4-1 in favour of us after one hour. We played very well but couldn't finish opportunities. Cody Gakpo also played very well. He was dangerous and we should give him the ball more often," said Ronald Koeman, as reported by BBC Sport.