Football News: Netherlands Secure Late Victory in Euro 2024 Opener

The Netherlands left it late to secure victory in their Euro 2024 Group D opener, as Wout Weghorst stepped off the bench to be the hero in their 2-1 win over Poland on Sunday.

Encouraging Start for the Oranje

Ronald Koeman’s side made an encouraging start at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, but fell behind against the run of play as Adam Buksa, who started in place of the injured Robert Lewandowski, headed home from a corner.

Gakpo Provides the Equalizer

The Oranje reacted well to going behind, and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo provided the equaliser, driving in from the left before his 20-yard effort deflected past Wojciech Szczesny.

“Despite several missed chances from the likes of Gakpo, Memphis Depay, Xavi Simons, Denzel Dumfries and Stefan de Vrij, the game looked to be heading for a draw.”

Weghorst’s Late Winner

However, in the final 10 minutes, former Manchester United striker Weghorst was introduced, and he needed just two minutes to latch onto Nathan Ake’s deflected cross and fire a first-time finish past Szczesny to secure the victory for the Netherlands.

The win sets the Netherlands up nicely in their quest to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2024, with their next Group D fixture coming against Portugal, who drew 1-1 with Spain in their opener.

🔗 Source