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
-
Credit growth slows significantly in 10-months of 2025, tumbles by 142% – BoG
3 minutes -
University of Ghana rejects GTEC’s approved charges
13 minutes -
Number of advertised jobs up in 10-months of 2025 relatively same as 2024 – BoG
17 minutes -
Health Minister orders comprehensive audit of health facilities in Oti Region
25 minutes -
Today’s Front pages: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
25 minutes -
Mahama government has focused on stabilising key sectors in first year – Ofosu-Dorte
33 minutes -
Some businesses reject Mobile Money payments as MoMo fraud cases rise
57 minutes -
Police arrest 3 suspects over taxi-based phone snatching syndicate
2 hours -
He should ask himself why he entered politics – Nitiwul responds to Frimpong-Boateng
2 hours -
A construction crane falls on a passenger train in northeastern Thailand, killing at least 22 people
3 hours -
All systems go: A quantum leap for Africa’s farmers and the world
3 hours -
World central bank chiefs ‘stand in solidarity’ with US Fed chair Powell
3 hours -
US approves sale of Nvidia’s advanced AI chips to China
3 hours -
Bawumia focused on delegates, not rivals – Dominic Nitiwul
3 hours -
We should never lose in 2028 – Nitiwul frames 2028 as a must-win election for NPP
4 hours
