Substitute Wout Weghorst delivered a dramatic late winner for the Netherlands in their 2-1 victory over Poland in the opening match of Euro 2024 on Sunday. The Burnley forward, who made a splash at the 2022 World Cup, once again shone on the big stage in Hamburg. Despite the absence of Poland's injured star, Robert Lewandowski, his stand-in, Adam Buksa, put Poland ahead with a header at the 16-minute mark before Cody Gakpo equalized with a deflected shot at the Volksparkstadion. The match appeared to be heading towards a draw as the Netherlands missed several chances and Poland grew into the game, but Weghorst broke through in the 83rd minute, sending the Dutch fans into jubilation.
Dressed in their iconic vibrant orange, throngs of jubilant Dutch fans filled the streets of Hamburg before the match, eager for their team to claim a second European Championship trophy.
Ronald Koeman, back for his second tenure as coach, who won the tournament as a player with the Oranje in 1988, saw his team start strongly.
The Netherlands, who had an impressive run at the Qatar World Cup two years prior after missing out on Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, came out aggressively. Although this generation lacks the high-profile names of the past like Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Robin van Persie, the current forward line, including Liverpool's Gakpo, Memphis Depay, and Xavi Simons, showed dynamism. Gakpo, in particular, led the attack and challenged goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with a sharp low shot.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders narrowly missed a prime scoring opportunity before Michal Probierz's Poland team struck against the run of play during one of their initial attacks.
Antalyaspor's Adam Buksa delivered a precise glancing header that sailed past Brighton's goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Piotr Zielinski's corner at the 16-minute mark.
Szczesny made an excellent save from Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, and Memphis Depay sent two shots off-target before Cody Gakpo equalized. His shot from just outside the box took a deflection off Bartosz Salamon, leaving Juventus's goalkeeper Szczesny helpless.
Gakpo then nearly put the Netherlands ahead from close range after receiving a pass from Nathan Ake, but his shot narrowly missed, sailing slightly too high.
Wearing a notable white sweatband, Depay narrowly missed with an attempt during the first-half stoppage time, as the Dutch continued to dominate and multiply their shot attempts.
In a more balanced second half, Poland effectively neutralized the Netherlands, leaving them struggling for creativity.
Verbruggen denied Jakub Kiwior from close range, while Denzel Dumfries posed a double threat at the other end.
Stefan de Vrij sent a header from a corner over the bar, but the fluidity that Koeman's team displayed in the first half was less evident as Poland's confidence surged.
The breakthrough came from Wout Weghorst, who, just two minutes after entering the game, clinically converted his first chance, giving the Oranje the lead. After Ake, who had also set up Gakpo's goal, delivered a low cross into the box, Weghorst redirected it into the net with a neat finish.
Following their thrilling late victory, the Netherlands are set to face tournament favorites France on Friday, while Poland hopes for Robert Lewandowski's return to fitness in their upcoming match against Austria.
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