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
-
Dome-Kwabenya MP condemns road encroachment, illegal development during inspection tour
12 minutes -
Scam kingpin Van Yeboah jailed 85 months in US prison for stealing $10million
13 minutes -
VALCO needs strategic investor to survive, GIADEC confirms
15 minutes -
Glasgow 2026: Ghana eyes sprint medal as Hayford Addai targets podium finish in T47 100m final
16 minutes -
NDPC boss outlines implementation strategy for revised National Urban Policy
20 minutes -
Fire destroys vehicle at Nungua Buade
29 minutes -
Ghana’s power security now depends on getting gas, grids and regional trade to work together
32 minutes -
Saudi Arabia joins US in strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq
38 minutes -
Supreme Court dismisses case challenging OSP’s prosecutorial powers
56 minutes -
Coca-Cola Ghana boosts inmate rehabilitation with vocational training equipment donation
57 minutes -
Supreme Court declares political parties’ delegate system unconstitutional
1 hour -
‘Don’t pardon Wontumi’ – NDC’s James Agbey warns Mahama of grassroots revolt
1 hour -
Police seize unauthorised sirens, strobe lights from 789 vehicles in Western, Central regions
1 hour -
We know NDC will fail on its promises; NPP will uproot them like mushroom in 2028 – Osafo Maafo
1 hour -
NPP inaugurates National Elections Committee ahead of National Conference
1 hour