Wout Weghorst grabs late winner as Netherlands beat Poland in Euro 2024 opener

Substitute Wout Weghorst struck late on to earn the Netherlands a 2-1 win over Poland in their Group D opener at Euro 2024.

Adam Buksa headed Poland into an early lead at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion, but Cody Gakpo ensured it was level at half-time.

The Netherlands pushed for a late winner and it arrived when Burnley forward Weghorst fired home in the 83rd minute.

Poland were without captain and talisman Robert Lewandowski due to a thigh injury but still took the lead in the 16th minute.

Piotr Zielinski, who took the armband in Lewandowski’s absence, produced a fine corner which Buksa headed into the far corner.

It sparked jubilant scenes from substitute Lewandowski in the Poland dugout and delivered a shock to the Netherlands, who had entered the tournament with six wins in seven matches and 21 goals scored during that period.

There was a quick response from Ronald Koeman’s men, though, with Liverpool forward Gakpo able to level after 29 minutes.

Nathan Ake burst forward to win a loose ball and tee up Gakpo, who found the net from 22 yards with the help of a deflection for his 10th international goal.

It remained level at the break, but the Netherlands started strongly after half-time and Xavi Simons sliced wide when well placed after good work by Gakpo.

Koeman’s men continued to dictate possession, only for Poland to go close when Nicola Zalewski had a header saved by Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.

As the seconds ticked away, Koeman turned to his bench and Weghorst provided the answer when he rifled home Ake’s low ball into the area just two minutes after coming on.