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The Netherlands defeated Poland 2-1 in their UEFA Euro 2024 Group D game at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Sunday, June 16.
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Poland made a surprisingly sharp start to the contest and looked to score the first goal as they pushed men forward. The Netherlands, too, had some decent chances but they lacked accuracy in the final third as just three of their 14 first-half attempts were on target.
The Poles grabbed the lead after just 16 minutes on the clock as they made the most of their first corner of the contest. Piotr Zielinski's well-taken corner found an unmarked Adam Buksa near the front post as the striker nodded into the net with ease to put his team 1-0 up. However, the Dutch were quick to find a response as they kept attacking.
Nathan Ake provided an assist for the leveler as he released Cody Gakpo into space, whose shot took a wicked deflection to wrong-foot Wojciech Szczesny as the score was 1-1 after 29 minutes. However, neither side could alter the scoreline as Poland and The Netherlands were tied 1-1 at the break.
Poland manager Michal Probierz made one change during the interval as Sebastian Szymanski made way for Jakub Moder. He made two more changes just 10 minutes later but the momentum did not shift towards them as much. Instead, Netherlands continued to build momentum and slowly looked threatening once more.
Dutch manager Ronald Koeman's decision to bring on Wout Weghorst in place of Memphis Depay worked wonders late in the game. Weghorst showed great presence of mind in the box and made a lovely run, before applying a smart finish to put his team 2-1 up after 83 minutes. The Dutch showed great resilience in the end and fended off any of Poland's advances to secure the win.
On that note, let's take a look at The Netherlands' player ratings.
Netherlands Player Ratings
Bart Verbruggen - 8/10
The youngest male goalkeeper to start a Euros game in 60 years, Verbruggen put in a solid performance for his team between the sticks. He made six important saves throughout the game. Three of those were to deny shots from inside the box late in the game as he displayed sharp reflexes.
Denzel Dumfries - 7/10
Dumfries played a more defensive game than he usually does for the Oranje, winning five duels and making four tackles and one interception. He also played three key passes and three crosses.
Stefan de Vrij - 7.5/10
One of the most consistent defenders for The Netherlands, Stefan de Vrij was solid at the back as he won seven of his eight duels, making four tackles in the process.
Virgil van Dijk - 7/10
The skipper put in a decent performance in the heart of his team's defence. He won eight duels, making six clearances and one tackle.
Nathan Ake - 8/10
Ake had a great game on the left side of defence as he had the license to venture forward. He provided an assist for The Netherlands' first goal with a lovely pass. Ake won both his duels, making four clearances and one tackle.
Jerdy Schouten - 7.5/10
Schouten passed the ball with 91% accuracy, including one key pass. He completed all three of his dribble attempts and also won four duels in a solid midfield performance.
Joey Veerman - 7/10
Veerman had a solid game as well but was booked for an early foul just 15 minutes into the contest. He passed the ball with 86% accuracy, including three key passes. He also won three duels.
Xavi Simons - 6.5/10
Simons had a decent game as he passed the ball with 86% accuracy, including three key passes. He attempted three shots but none of them were on target.
Tijjani Reijnders - 6.5/10
Reijnders, too, had a subpar outing for The Netherlands as none of his four attempts were on target. He won just one duel and was dispossessed eight times.
Cody Gakpo - 9/10
By far The Netherlands' best player against Poland, Gakpo scored the leveler for his team just 13 minutes after they fell behind. He passed the ball with 85% accuracy, including three key passes. He completed all four of his dribble attempts and also won a remarkable 14 duels.
Substitutes
Georginio Wijnaldum - 6.5/10
He replaced Veerman in the second half and had a decent outing.
Donyell Malen - 7/10
Malen replaced Simons and put in a decent cameo, as he won all three of his duels, completed both his dribble attempts and also played one key pass.
Jeremie Frimpong - 6/10
Frimpong replaced Gakpo and put in a disappointing performance as he failed to make any tangible contribution on either end.
Wout Weghorst - 7.5/10
Weghorst came on late in the game and scored with his first touch after making a brilliant run to get into a scoring position for The Netherlands.
Micky van de Ven - 6.5/10
He came on late in the game as Koeman looked to shut up shop and secure the win by adding another defender.
