Netherlands faced Poland in their opening game of the UEFA Euro 2024 as both teams looked to get the important three points to get their tournament under away. The match was being held at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. Netherlands were the favourites going into the game and were bolstered by the fact that Poland’s main goal scoring threat Robert Lewandowski was on the bench.
Since the tournament has been known to spring around a few surprises, another one took place today as Poland opened the scoring in the contest. During the 16th minute of the game, Adam Buksa tucked away a header after a beautiful cross from Piotr Zielenski. The Polish fans inside the stadium went crazy as they were leading the scoreline.
However, the goal surely brought the Netherlands to attack even more and they started creating a flurry of chances to get back level in the game. They found the reward for their efforts as Cody Gakpo lined up a shot from outside the box. A big deflection meant that the Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny could not do much since he was wrong footed. The first half ended with both teams level on the scoreline and all to play for in the second half.
How did the first half of the Poland vs Netherlands game pan out today?
Ronald Koeman’s half-time team talk certainly paid off as Netherlands came storming out in the second half. They were producing many chances but were lacking the cutting edge that was needed to get the second goal. Poland also had a great 10 minute spell as they created chance after chance but could not find the back of the net.
The Netherlands made some key changes in the second half as they brought on some fresh legs which enabled them to gain control of the ball. Nathan Ake’s low ball into the box caused chaos and substitute Wout Weghorst was there to put away the chance and get the lead for his side. The Netherlands held on to a slender lead and gained all three point in Hamburg against Poland.
Fans react as the Netherlands scrape past Poland in UEFA Euro 2024:
FT: Poland 1-2 The Netherlands.
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) June 16, 2024
A WELL DESERVED VICTORY AND A VERY IMPORTANT ONE! THANK YOU WOUT WEGHORST! 👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/7Pa4UVKacM
Battle of the mids comes to an end
— The chelsea lad🇺🇬 (@iam_igumira) June 16, 2024
Thank your best defender bro pic.twitter.com/dVfnYuzSFQ
— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) June 16, 2024
You won’t survive against the big boys
— OB (@CFC_OBED) June 16, 2024
Ake carried this Netherlands team, City boy 💙
— Number One🥇 (@numberonetweep) June 16, 2024
Thoughts on your coach? pic.twitter.com/qmFYf2eQ6j
— Zuppo (@Zupporter97) June 16, 2024
Netherlands All-Time forwards
— MC (@UtdMicah) June 16, 2024
1. Wout Weghorst
2. Johan Cruyff
Natan Ake man of the match🔥🔥
— Tolzy💰 (@TolzyBets) June 16, 2024