Wout Weghorst proved the hero for the Netherlands with the substitute scoring two minutes after coming on to earn a late 2-1 win over Poland in their Euro 2024 opener.
Poland took a shock lead with their first attempt on target, with Adam Buksa steering a header from a corner into the Dutch net.
The Dutch continued to create chances and were rewarded when a Cody Gakpo strike was deflected beyond goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Weghorst completed the turnaround in the 83rd minute, steering home two minutes after being introduced off the bench.
Here, Mail Sport rates the players from the Group D clash.
Wout Weghorst scored the winner two minutes after coming off the bench for the Netherlands
Adam Buksa gave Poland a shock lead after heading in from a corner in the 15th minute
The impressive Cody Gakpo levelled for the Netherlands on the hour mark in Hamburg
POLAND (3-4-3)
WOJCIECH SZCZESNY – 6
The Poland goalkeeper was left helpless by the cruel deflection on Gakpo’s shot which brought the Dutch level.
Showed sharp reactions to deny Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk, but could not keep Weghorst out.
JAN BEDNAREK – 6
In a game of deflections, his touch from Ake’s pass inadvertently steered the ball invitingly into the path of Weghorst, who slotted home the Netherlands’ crucial second goal.
BARTOSZ SALAMON – 6
Impressed in the central role of the Polish defence early on, stepping out of the defence to rob Depay of possession on several occasions.
Unfortunate his attempted block from Gakpo took the ball out of Szczesny’s reach for the equaliser. He was beaten by Weghorst to the ball for the Dutch winner.
Wojciech Szczesny was unable to keep out Wout Weghorst’s late effort to secure a point
Poland’s Przemyslaw Frankowski struggled in his duel against Cody Gapko on the flank
JAKUB KIWIOR – 6
Put the pressure on Simons to force the youngster to snatch at a chance on the counter.
PRZEMYSLAW FRANKOWSKI – 4
Had a tough time when dealing with the threat of Cody Gakpo, with the Liverpool man creating havoc down his side throughout the match.
PIOTR ZIELINSKI – 7
Captain in the absence of the injured Robert Lewandowski. Produced a perfect delivery from a corner.
TARAS ROMANCZUK – 5
Was one of two Poland players brought off in the 55th minute in an attempt to stem the Dutch wave of chances.
NICOLA ZALEWSKI – 6
His aimless clearance was cut out by Nathan Ake leading directly to the Netherlands’ equaliser.
Improved as the match went on, providing Poland with an outlet to relieve pressure on the flank. Denied from distance with the last kick of the game from distance.
SEBASTIAN SZYMANSKI – 5
Was withdrawn at half-time for Jakub Moder after a quiet 45 minutes for Poland.
Adam Buksa scored with his first attempt and enjoyed a good battle with Virgil van Dijk
KACPER URBANSKI – 6
The 19-year-old was making just his third appearance for the national team after an impressive season at Bologna.
Showed some nice touches and composure, before being replaced in the 55th minute.
ADAM BUKSA – 8
The man tasked with stepping into the shoes of talisman Lewandowski made the perfect start with his superb glancing header giving Poland a shock lead.
His tussle with Van Dijk was a good battle.
SUBSTITUTES
Moder for Szymanski
Slisz for Romanczuk
Swiderski for Urbański
Piotrowski for Zielinski
Bereszyński for Salamon
NETHERLANDS (4-2-3-1)
BART VERBRUGGEN – 7
Became the youngest goalkeeper to start a men’s European Championship match for 60 years. Could not do anything about Buksa’s glancing header from a corner.
Made smart saves from Kiwor and Zalewski, as well as an excellent stop from Karol Swiderski.
DENZEL DUMFRIES – 6
As expected, pushed high and gave the Dutch width on the right flank. Provided a threat with late runs into the box, firing one effort wide of the target.
STEFAN DE VRIJ – 6
Should have done much better with a free header from a corner but sent his effort over the crossbar.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7
The Dutch captain showed his leadership, marshalling the Dutch defence and directing his team-mates into position.
Did show some frustration after giving up free kicks in his duel with Buksa.
Nathan Ake played a crucial role in both of the Netherlands goals in their group opener
NATHAN AKE – 8
Excellent anticipation to cut out a clearance before feeding Gakpo to level the tie. Tidy in possession as expected.
His drive forward also created the Dutch winner, albeit his pass was aided by a deflection.
JERDY SCHOUTEN – 6
A nice turn in the opening minute of the match, but was a largely quiet for the Dutch during the match.
JOEY VEERMAN – 5
Appeared to be the man tasked with picking up Buksa from the corner. Needlessly booked for protesting Reijnders yellow card.
XAVI SIMONS – 6
Showed his potential by creating a number of openings in the early stages, but sliced wide from a promising Dutch counter attack in the second half.
The 21-year-old was substituted as his influence faded.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS – 6
Unable to steer an early chance into the bottom corner, sending his effort wide of the target. Broke forward well and played an excellent though ball to launch a dangerous counter attack.
Was harshly booking early on for a mistimed tackle.
The impressive Cody Gakpo was a constant threat and was rewarded with the equaliser
Memphis Depay showed some nice touches but was wasteful leading the line for the Dutch
CODY GAKPO – 9
Appropriate Gakpo was the man to bring the Dutch level on the half hour mark having been their most dangerous outlet cutting in from the left flank.
MEMPHIS DEPAY – 4
Eye-catching in more ways than one, with the forward’s headband and fast footwork grabbing the attention.
Struggled with his back to goal and passed up two excellent chances in the first half, blazing a golden opportunity over the bar and scuffing another wide of the target.
Partly at fault for failing to block the run of Buksa for the opening goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Malen for Simons
Wijnaldum for Veerman
Wout Weghorst – 8 – The dream introduction, scoring the winner two minutes after coming off the bench.
Frimpong for Gakpo
Van de Ven for Ake
