Weghorst Clinches Victory For Netherlands Against Poland In Euro 2024 Clash

The Netherlands began their Euro 2024 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Poland in Hamburg, coming from behind to secure the win. Substitute Wout Weghorst completed the turnaround for the Oranje late in the game, after Adam Buksa's early goal had given Poland the lead.

Poland settled quicker than their opponents and took the lead in the 16th minute. Buksa rose highest to meet Piotr Zielinski's delivery into the box, marking the third consecutive goal the Netherlands have conceded from a corner kick. Despite record top-scorer Robert Lewandowski watching from the bench, Poland's start was promising as they aimed for their first win over the Netherlands since 1980.

However, Cody Gakpo equalised for the Netherlands with a deflected shot that bounced over Wojciech Szczesny. Both sides exchanged attacks in search of three crucial points ahead of France's meeting with Austria in Düsseldorf on Monday.

With seven minutes remaining, Weghorst emerged from the bench to score his seventh goal in his last 11 international appearances. He finished smartly after being picked out by Nathan Ake inside the box. This made Weghorst the second Dutch player to score in three consecutive games as a substitute, following Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink in 2007-2008.

3 - Wout Weghorst is the second @OnsOranje player with three consecutive games in which he came on as a substitute and found the net, after Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink in 2007-2008 (3). Eager. #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/hJhiqHiGDx

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 16, 2024

Gakpo's strike took him into double figures for his nation. He has now scored in each of his last four group stage games at major tournaments, becoming only the third European player to do so this century, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata.

Poland's Struggles Continue

Poland are now winless in their last 13 meetings with the Netherlands across all competitions (D5 L8), since a 2-0 home win in Euro 1980 qualifying. Despite their strong start, they were unable to maintain their lead and secure a victory.

The Netherlands' next challenge will be closely watched as they continue their Euro 2024 journey, while Poland will need to regroup and strategise for their upcoming matches.