HAMBURG, Germany — Netherlands forward Wout Weghorst loves to make a big impression off the bench and he did it again Sunday late in a 2-1 win over Poland at the European Championship.
The giant striker struck with a low left-foot shot in the 83rd minute with his first touch after coming on to replace Memphis Depay who had wasted several shooting chances.
The late win puts some pressure on Group D favorite France, which already beat the Dutch twice in qualifying last year and plays Austria on Monday.
Poland was forced to cope without its injured star Robert Lewandowski but soon found a goal from his replacement who matured in Major League Soccer.
Adam Buksa used all his 6-foot-3 (1.91 meter) height when circled by four Dutch defenders at a 16th-minute corner to guide a header into the net. Buksa had 2 1/2 prolific years with New England Revolution until 2022.
Cody Gakpo leveled in the 29th with a shot that was deflected and deceived goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. It was fair reward for a vibrant first half for the Dutch.
Gakpo is a fast starter at major tournaments. He scored in all three group games at the 2022 World Cup where the Netherlands reached the quarterfinals and lost to Argentina only in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. That day in Doha, Weghorst forced extra time with two late goals after coming on in the 78th, also to replace Depay.
About 50,000 Dutch fans made the short trip to Hamburg and there was a shooting incident involving police before the game in the downtown St. Pauli district near where many had gathered. It did not seem related to the soccer.
Police said they shot and injured a man who was threatening them with an ax and a Molotov cocktail.
In a thrilling match at Euro 2024, Wout Weghorst proved to be the hero for the Netherlands as he scored a crucial late goal to secure a victory over Poland. The Dutch striker’s goal came in the 88th minute of the match, breaking the deadlock and giving his team a much-needed win in their opening game of the tournament.
Weghorst’s goal was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. As the clock ticked down and the score remained deadlocked at 0-0, it was Weghorst who stepped up when his team needed him most. With a powerful strike from outside the box, he found the back of the net and sent the Dutch fans into a frenzy.
The victory over Poland was a significant one for the Netherlands, as they look to make a deep run in the tournament. With tough competition in their group, every point is crucial, and Weghorst’s late goal could prove to be the difference between advancing to the knockout stages or going home early.
Weghorst’s performance in this match will surely be remembered by Dutch fans for years to come. His ability to deliver in clutch moments and lead his team to victory is a testament to his talent and determination on the field. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Weghorst to see if he can continue to deliver for his team and help them achieve their goals at Euro 2024.