Watch Poland vs Netherlands full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 13:00 (GMT) on 16th June 2024
The referee for this match is Artur Soares Dias
Game played at Volksparkstadion
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group D, Season 2024
Late Weghorst Winner Sinks Poland in Group D Opener
Poland faced their first defeat under manager Michał Probierz, as a late strike from Wout Weghorst secured a 2-1 victory for the Netherlands in the opening match of Group D at the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Hamburg.
Early Dutch Dominance
The Netherlands, looking to exploit the absence of Poland’s star forward Robert Lewandowski, started the match with high intensity. Within two minutes, Cody Gakpo forced a sharp save from Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny at the near post. Soon after, Tijjani Reijnders squandered a golden opportunity, failing to convert Jerdy Schouten’s precise pass inside the box, his misfired shot drifting narrowly wide.
Poland’s Early Lead
Despite the early Dutch pressure, Poland struck first in the 16th minute. Adam Buksa, stepping up in Lewandowski’s absence, headed Piotr Zieliński’s corner past Bart Verbruggen, marking his seventh international goal. The Netherlands responded with determination, but Szczęsny thwarted a Virgil van Dijk volley and saw Memphis Depay miss two close-range chances.
Dutch Equalizer
The Dutch persistence paid off just before the half-hour mark. Gakpo’s shot from outside the box took a massive deflection off Jan Bednarek, wrong-footing Szczęsny and leveling the score. Both teams had opportunities to take the lead before halftime, but Jakub Kiwior’s effort was saved by Verbruggen, and Gakpo and Depay missed clear chances.
Second Half Action
Ronald Koeman’s side dominated the early stages of the second half, though it was a counter-attack that almost broke the deadlock. A swift move culminated in Xavi Simons narrowly missing the target from 18 yards. This close call jolted Poland into action, leading to errors from the Dutch defense and a double save from Verbruggen as Kiwior and Zieliński tested him.
Late Drama
Poland seemed poised to secure a valuable point, with Szczęsny making a crucial save against Denzel Dumfries with 20 minutes remaining. However, the Dutch broke the deadlock late in the game. Nathan Aké’s deflected pass found Wout Weghorst in space, and the striker finished clinically to give the Netherlands a 2-1 lead.
Conclusion
Despite a spirited performance, Poland could not find an equalizer, with Verbruggen making crucial saves in the dying moments. This loss means Poland remains winless at the Euros since 2016. In contrast, the Netherlands, champions in 1988, have now started with a win at three consecutive major tournaments.
Poland will look to bounce back in their next match, while the Netherlands will aim to build on this victory as they continue their campaign.