Weghorst snatches winner for Netherlands against Poland

AFP | Hamburg

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Substitute Wout Weghorst snatched a late winner for the Netherlands in a 2-1 victory over Poland yesterday in their opening Euro 2024 clash.

The Burnley striker, who burst into life at the 2022 World Cup, once again brought his best game to the big stage in Hamburg as Poland looked to have frustrated their opponents, despite injured striker Robert Lewandowski being unable to play.

The Barcelona forward’s replacement Adam Buksa, headed Poland in front after 16 minutes before Cody Gakpo levelled with a deflected effort at the Volksparkstadion.

Netherlands failed to convert further openings and Poland improved as the game seemed to be heading for a draw in the Group D clash, before Weghorst intervened in the 83rd minute.

“I am very happy, this is indescribable, especially at a finals, so special, this is personally a dream scenario,” said Weghorst. “This is so important, to keep the good feeling going. This is just very nice for all of us. The ultimate goal is to win that cup together.”

Clad in their traditional vibrant orange, a sea of bouncing Dutch supporters took over the streets of Hamburg before the game, hoping for a second European Championship trophy.

Coach Ronald Koeman, in his second stint at the helm, won the tournament with the Oranje as a player in 1988.

The Netherlands, who performed strongly two years ago at the Qatar World Cup after failing to reach Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, came out of the blocks quickly. Despite lacking the star power of recent generations -- the likes of Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie -- their current trio of forwards are dynamic.