Wout Weghorst secured late minute goal for Netherlands | Credit: tribalfootball
In the opening match of Group D at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, Wout Weghorst’s late goal secured a 2-1 win for the Netherlands against Poland in Hamburg, marking Poland’s first defeat under the management of Michaล Probierz.
The Netherlands, looking to exploit the absence of Poland’s star player Robert Lewandowski, started the match energetically. Within two minutes, Cody Gakpo forced Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczฤsny into an early save with an attempt at the near post. Shortly after, Tijjani Reijnders had a promising chance but failed to properly connect with Jerdy Schouten’s pass, resulting in a narrowly missed shot.
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Despite early pressure from the Dutch, Poland took the lead in the 16th minute. Adam Buksa, stepping in for Lewandowski, headed Piotr Zieliลskiโs corner past Bart Verbruggen, netting his seventh international goal.
The Netherlands sought a quick equalizer, but Szczฤsny was quick to stop a volley from Virgil van Dijk, and Memphis Depay squandered two close-range opportunities. The Dutch pressure eventually paid off when Gakpo equalized just before the 30-minute mark. His shot from outside the area took a significant deflection off Jan Bednarek, leaving Szczฤsny unable to save it.
Both teams had chances to take the lead before halftime. Jakub Kiwior’s effort was saved by Verbruggen, and Gakpo and Depay both missed opportunities with the goal wide open.
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