Poland 1-2 Netherlands: Wout Weghorst Scores Late Goal to Edge Out Determined Poles at Euro 2024 in Hamburg
The Netherlands overcame a resilient Poland side in Hamburg, securing a 2-1 victory after coming from behind. Adam Buksa, replacing the injured Robert Lewandowski, gave Poland the lead with a deft header from a corner. However, Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo quickly equalized for Ronald Koeman’s team. The match remained evenly poised until the 83rd minute when substitute Wout Weghorst clinched the win for the Dutch with a clinical finish.
Despite Netherlands’ early dominance in possession, Poland’s organized defense and threatening attacks made for a competitive match. Buksa’s header from Piotr Zielinski’s corner in the 16th minute gave Poland the lead, but Gakpo’s deflected shot equalized shortly after. In the second half, chances were scarce as Poland opted to defend their position, leading to the substitution of captain Zielinski by coach Michal Probierz. Koeman’s tactical changes, including bringing on Donyell Malen, Weghorst, and Jeremie Frimpong, proved decisive. Weghorst’s late goal secured all three points for the Netherlands.
The expanded 24-team format of Euro 2024 aims to be inclusive, though it has led to debates about the competition’s meritocratic nature. With a single win almost guaranteeing progression to the knockout stages and all initial matches being won by favorites, the predictability of outcomes has been questioned. Nonetheless, the tournament promises entertainment, showcasing football’s inherent unpredictability and excitement.
*PLAYER OF THE MATCH** – **WOUT WEGHORST (NETHERLANDS)**
While no player particularly stood out, Weghorst earns the accolade for scoring the decisive goal shortly after coming on.
**PLAYER RATINGS**
**Poland:** Szczesny 6, Bednarek 5, Salamon 6, Kiwior 6, Frankowski 5, Zielinski 7, Romanczuk 6, Zalewski 6, Urbanski 6, Buksa 7, Szymanski 5. Subs: Moder 7, Swiderski 6, Slisz 6, Piotrowski 6, Bereszynski 6.
**Netherlands:** Verbruggen 7, Dumfries 6, De Vrij 6, Van Dijk 5, Ake 7, Schouten 6, Reijnders 7, Veerman 6, Simons 5, Depay 5, Gakpo 7. Subs: Malen 7, Wijnaldum 5, Frimpong 7, Weghorst 8.
**KEY MOMENTS**
**16’ – GOAL!! POLAND 1-0 NETHERLANDS (BUKSA)**
Buksa expertly heads Zielinski’s near-post corner between Dumfries and Van Dijk to put Poland in the lead.
**22’ – MEMPHIS DEPAY MISSES**
A well-set-up chance for Depay is squandered as he sends the ball over the bar from a prime position.
**29’ – GOAL!! POLAND 1-1 NETHERLANDS (GAKPO)**
A deflected shot by Gakpo equalizes for the Netherlands after a hopeful clearance from Bednarek.
**42’ – CODY GAKPO MISSES**
Gakpo misses a close-range chance, sending the ball over the bar.
**73’ – DE VRIJ HEADS OVER**
De Vrij heads over from a good Memphis Depay delivery, missing a key opportunity.
**83’ – GOAL!! POLAND 1-2 NETHERLANDS (WEGHORST)**
Weghorst scores the winning goal, finishing expertly after a pass deflects off Bednarek into his path.
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