The Netherlands won a tҺrilling 2-1 victory over Poland with a late goal from “suρer sub” Weghorst, in the opening match of Group D of EURO 2024 on the evening of June 16.

The Netherlands got off to a good start at EURO 2024, overcoming their Polish opponents, whom they have dominated in major tournaments for over four decades.

At the Volksparkstadion, coach Ronald Koeman’s team dominated from the start, with Cody Gakpo’s tight-angle finish.

With little possession, Poland surprised with the opening goal. Adam Buksa, who replaced the injured Robert Lewandowski, had a beautiful header.

Poland’s advantage did not last long. With the match going on for nearly half an hour, Cody Gakpo helped Oranje equalize 1-1 with a shot from outside the penalty area.

The Netherlands dominated the game with plenty of chances. However, Memphis Depay’s lack of luck meant the chances were lost.

Koeman’s late changes paid off for the Netherlands. Just two minutes after coming on for Memphis, Wout Weghorst scored the winner, sealing a 2-1 victory.

This was also the third time the Netherlands have won a EURO match when the opponent opened the scoring. The previous two were against Germany in 1988 and France in 2000.

Goals scored:

Poland: Adam Buksa 16′.

Netherlands: Cody Gakpo 29′, Wout Weghorst 83′.

Starting lineup:

Poland (4-4-2): Szczesny; Frankowski, Bednarek, Salamon, Kiwior; Urbanski, Romanczuk, Zielinski, Zalewski; Szymanski, Buksa.

Netherlands (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Veerman, Schouten; Xavi Simons, Memphis, Gakpo.Cody Gakpo was voted UEFA’s best player of the match.

The Liverpool striker had 5 shots, 2 accurate and 1 goal. He also created 3 chances for his teammates.

In addition, Gakpo had an accurate passing rate of 84.6%.