Audio By Carbonatix
Substitute Wout Weghorst swept in a late winner two minutes after coming on as former champions the Netherlands began their Euro 2024 campaign with victory against Poland at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion.
In the hours before kick-off a man was shot by police close to where fans had been gathering in the city, but the game went ahead and delivered an entertaining encounter.
Poland were without their all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski, out with a thigh injury, but put that blow behind them to stun the Dutch early on when Adam Buksa headed home.
The Netherlands had been the dominant side but missed a number of chances before Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo equalised when his deflected shot flew past Wojciech Szczesny.
The Dutch continued to create opportunities and Gakpo should have got his second before the break but sent Nathan Ake’s pullback over from close range.
Ronald Koeman’s side continued to dominate after the break and Szczesny denied Denzel Dumfries, before exciting youngster Xavi Simons drove an effort wide after being set up by Gakpo.
But just as it looked like they would have to settle for a draw, Burnley striker Weghorst - introduced in the 81st minute - snatched the win with a close-range finish moments after coming on.
It is a big win for the Netherlands with France up next for them in Group D on Friday, while Poland face Austria on the same day.
Latest Stories
-
Mugabe’s son drops bail request – what has happened to the family after losing power
22 minutes -
President Mahama directs ministers to resolve Teshie Desalination Plant issues
30 minutes -
Cerebral palsy awareness: The reason behind the African mentality on disability
34 minutes -
MTN launches nationwide self-service SIM swap in Ghana
1 hour -
CLOGSAG strike disrupts local governance in Kwadaso – MCE
1 hour -
Bill Asamoah urges government to fast-track film legislation to boost industry
1 hour -
Shatta Wale reveals ambition to contest Ablekuma South seat
2 hours -
From cassette tapes to streaming: Grace Asare reflects on the shift in music distribution
2 hours -
MTN FA Cup quarter-finals set for explosive weekend
2 hours -
TTU registrar, co-author launch 3 books to shape higher education governance in Ghana
2 hours -
Minority condemns attack on Ghanaian Peacekeepers in Lebanon, demands full investigation
2 hours -
I have never taken even GH₵1 from Shaxi – Shatta Wale calls for gov’t support
2 hours -
‘Largest ever’ oil reserve release agreed by 32 countries, as Strait of Hormuz ships attacked
2 hours -
Fuel shortages unlikely despite Middle East tensions – TOR assures Ghanaians
2 hours -
Massive maintenance underway at TOR to boost efficiency – Corporate Affairs Officer
2 hours
