Former Man Utd player scores, Netherlands defeats Poland

Wout Weghorst is mentioned as one of the seasonal contracts that did not make much of an impression at Man Utd in 2023. But in the Netherlands team, he is a player who brings a lot of luck. In the Netherlands' opening match at EURO 2024, Wout Weghorst scored the decisive goal to bring 3 points for Koeman's army.

In the 83rd minute, Weghorst quickly finished from Ake's pass, defeating Szczesny, making the score 2-1. That was when the Netherlands were playing quite stalemate and Koeman was forced to take both Gakpo and Depay off the field when they were caught by the Polish defense. Koeman made the right choice and it took Weghorst just 2 minutes from entering the field to make his first mark at EURO 2024.

In fact, looking at the game, many people thought that the Netherlands should have won quickly and decisively against their opponent in the first half.

The orange storm was full of attacking spirit right from the opening whistle. Facing an underdog Poland, lacking their main striker Lewandowski, the Netherlands quickly took control of the game, rushing into the opponent's half. The fast and exciting ball movement helped the Netherlands have consecutive opportunities.

However, when fans thought the goal would soon come to Koeman's team, Poland unexpectedly opened the score. In the 16th minute, at Poland's first corner kick in the first half, Buksa chose the right landing spot and headed the ball home. In this losing situation, the Dutch defense lacked determination, allowing Buksa to escape and shake his head skillfully. Buksa was chosen to replace Lewandowski in the attack of the "White Eagles" and he did not disappoint the expectations of coach Michał Probierz.

The early goal only forced the Netherlands to play more effectively. Depay, Gakpo, and Ximons had chances to bring the match back to the starting line. The Polish defense fought back, with goalkeeper Szczesny showing incredible brilliance.

In the 28th minute, luck smiled on the Netherlands. Gakpo shot from a distance, the ball hit defender Bednarek and changed direction, leaving goalkeeper Szczesny helpless. Gakpo, the most aggressive player, the one who inspired the team the most, was deservedly rewarded.

With the equalizer, the Netherlands were more confident in putting pressure on their opponents. But the lack of precision in finishing situations made Gakpo, Depay and Xavi Simons hold their heads in disappointment.

Poland had no breakthrough players, and they accepted being the underdogs, trying to tighten up their formations and play defensively. The depth in their defense kept Poland at bay for most of the second half, until Wout Weghorst appeared and pierced Szczesny's net with a lightning-fast strike.

The 2-1 score helped the Netherlands smile on the first day of EURO 2024. As for Poland, they need to try to get better results in the remaining 2 matches, when the ticket to the knockout round is also for the best 3rd-placed teams.