The Netherlands left it late to defeat Poland in their Euro 2024 opening group game, as they silenced the ghost of missing chances in dramatic fashion.
Poland got their tails in front in the 16th minute through Adam Buska, who headed the ball into the bottom-right corner following a cross sent in by Zielinski towards the far post.
Cody Gakpo brought the Netherlands level 13 minutes later, with a strike from the edge of the box beating Polish goalkeeper Szczesny following a deflection off Salamon.
The Netherlands were totally in control of the game for the majority of the affair, however, they found it hard to convert opportunities.
Cody Gakpo had a great chance in the 42nd minute, but his first-time effort following a cut-back from Nathan Ake went over the top of the bar.
Both teams went into the break level, but the Oranje were perplexed by their frailties in the attacking department.
In the second period, Michal Probierz made the first change, bringing Jakub Moder for Sebastian Szymanski following the restart of action.
Nine minutes later, Poland introduced Karol Świderski for Kacper Urbański, while Bartosz Slisz was introduced for Taras Romanczuk.
The Inability of Poland To Score Kept Netherlands In A Good Position To Get The All-important Goal
Ronald Koeman’s side continued to fluff many of their chances, and at some point in the affair, it appeared like the ghost of missing chances could hunt them, but Poland also failed to convert the opportunities they created.
Georginio Wijnaldum came on for the Netherlands in the 62nd minute, replacing Joey Veerman, while Donyell Malen came on for Xavi Simons.
In the 81st minute, the Oranje made two alterations, with Jeremie Frimpong entering the fray for Cody Gakpo, while Wout Weghorst was substituted in for Memphis Depay.
Barely two minutes after coming on, Nathan Ake threaded a brilliant pass into Weghorst which deflected off Bednarek, with the former Manchester United man thundering the ball subsequently into the back of the net.
The Eagles made their final change in the 86th minute, with Bartosz Bereszynski coming on for Bartosz Salomon.
The last change in the cracking contest was made by the Netherlands, with Spurs Micky van de Ven receiving some minutes under his belt, as he replaced Nathan Ake, who had a hand in both goals scored Ronald Koeman’s side.
In the second minute additional time in the second period, Polish substitute Moder had time and space outside the area just to the right and he looked to curl a left-footed attempt towards the bottom-right corner.
However, Oranje goalie Verbruggen was on hand to make a really comfortable save, denying the Brighton man.
The Netherlands commence their hunt for a second European Championship title on an impressive note and they will look to improve their sharpness in attack.
Poland were largely second-fiddle in the game and they will hope to better their fortunes in the coming group matches.
They face Austria in their second group affair on Friday, June 21, 2022, while Ronald Koeman’s side battle France on the same day.
