Poland Vs Netherlands: 1-2, Dominating Matches, Orange Team Only Wins Thin

JAKARTA - In the opening match of Group D Euro 2024 in Hamburg, Sunday, June 16, the Netherlands managed to beat Poland with a narrow score of 2-1. Even though the Netherlands dominated the game, Poland provided fierce to the end in Volksparks Stadium, Hamburg.

The match started with high enthusiasm from both teams. In the first minute, Cody Gakpo immediately threatened with a shot on target. Dutch dominance can be seen from attacks launched through the fast movement of Memphis Depay and Gakpo.

However, Poland, who played defensively, managed to steal the goal first in the 16th minute through Adam Buksa's header which took advantage of a corner from Piotr Zieliwasski. The Netherlands, who did not want to lose, immediately responded in the 29th minute through Gakpo who scored after his kick turned and could not be anticipated by goalkeeper Wojciech Szcz happenedny.

🟠 Wout Weghorst 🟠#EURO2024 | #POLNED pic.twitter.com/MtRHSwly9w

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 16, 2024

Wout Weghorst #EURO2024 #POLNED pic.twitter.com/MtRHSwly9w

Netherlands Dominates

The Dutch continued to press the Polish defense. Nathan Ake played an important role in building attacks from the left, but the final finish of the Dutch forwards was often inaccurate. In the 48th minute, the Netherlands almost scored another goal through Denzel Dumfries' header which Szcztany managed to save. Poland put up a fight in the 58th minute when Jakub Kiwior fired a shot that the Dutch goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen.

Poland tried to take the initiative with a quick counter-attack. Their golden opportunity came in the 64th minute when Kiwior again fired a shot saved by goalkeeper Verbruggen. Ronald Koeman, the Dutch coach, made substitutions by including Georginio Wijnaldum and Donyell Malen to provide new energy. However, the strong Polish defense made it difficult for the Netherlands to penetrate their back line.

Goals To Determine Victory

In the 83rd minute, the new Wout Weghorst replaced Memphis Depay, scoring a winning goal for the Netherlands. Receiving a pass in the penalty box, Weghorst used his physical force to hold the Polish defender and fired a shot that Szcztany couldn't stop. Poland almost equalized in the 88th minute through Karol Badmintonski, but his shot was saved by Verbruggen.

The match ended 2-1 for the Dutch victory. Despite dominating the game, the Netherlands had to work hard to ensure the full three points. Meanwhile, Poland showed a high fighting spirit and almost stole a point in the final minutes of the match.

The Netherlands will continue their struggle at Euro 2024 with more confidence after this victory, while Poland must rise soon to face the next match.

Poland: Szczesny, Bednarek, Salamon, Kiwior, Frankowski, Zielinski, Romanchuk, Zalewski, Sebastian Szymanski, Buksa, Urbanski.

Subs: Dawidowicz, Walukiewicz, Piotrowski, Swiderski, Moder, Lewandowski, Grosicki, Skorupski, Puchacz, Damian Szymanski, Bereszynski, Bulka, Piatek, Slisz, Skoras.

Netherlands: Verbruggen, Dumfries, de Vrij, van Dijk, Ake, Schouten, airman, Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo, Depay.

Subs: Geertruida, de Ligt, Wijnaldum, Weghorst, Frimpong, Bijlow, van de Ven, Blind, Malen, Maatsen, Zirkzee, Flekken, Bergwijn, Gravenberch.

Referee: Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)

Match Statistics: