The Netherlands initiated their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland. Ronald Koeman’s side kicked off the first match in Group D also containing France and Austria. The Netherlands was without their star man Frankie De Jong. The Barcelona star had left the squad as a result of a slow recovery from an injury he sustained a few weeks back. However, their Coach had devised means of replacement, calling forth certain players into duty.
In their game against Poland coach Koeman. used Schouten, Reijnders, and Veerman in the midfield. This is to help fix their unavailable midfield maestro De Jong. Moreover, it seemed to work out, but it was a hard-fought game. The Netherlands squeezed out a win against a disciplined Polish side.
Netherlands vs Poland: First Half
https://gty.im/2157260646
The Dutch started the game, and they seemed to be in control for some minutes. However, Poland got an opportunity from the corner. Miscommunication from the Dutch Defenders led to Buksa having the opportunity to head home giving Poland the lead.
This put a lot of pressure on the Netherlands side. Depay came across a fine opportunity but he skyrocketed it wide. Soon Gakpo had a cut into his right and fired a deflected shot home. He made it 1-1.
The Netherlands wasn’t done. They had another chance from Depay who failed to find the target near post. Gakpo could have easily given the Netherlands the lead however he also missed from close range. Allowing them to conclude the first half in a draw
Netherlands vs Poland: 2nd Half
https://gty.im/2157857210
The Netherlands kept hunting for a winning goal. Gakpo had a cross well-headed by Dumfries. However he had intentions of making the header a pass to Depay, but Szczesny read it well. He came out well in time to intercept the pass firmly with his hand. A great run of play from Gapko to Reijnders led to a through pass to Xavi Simons who couldn’t find Depay.
Majority of the first half Poland kept a defensive discipline all through. Dumfries could have scored after a fine pass discovered him. He volleyed the shot, it was close but off-target.
Koeman had a reshuffle introducing Frimpong and Weghorst. And in no time a movement from Reijnders strayed a pass to Ake. Ake in return found Weghorst with a neat pass. The 6’6 striker made no mistake in finding the net. Giving the Netherlands the win.
However late in the Poland made some few disturbances to the Dutch. Zalewski nearly made it 2-2 with a fine shot well handled by a Verbruggen.
Man of the Match Performance
https://gty.im/2157843495
Cody Gakpo was given the man of the match after a fantastic display. The Liverpool star was a key chance creator. He moved the ball well and sent in the technical crosses. Alongside this, he also had a goal for himself.
Although he couldn’t finish the game. The Dutchman was heavily leaned upon by his teammates to deliver. Especially in chance creation and goal scoring, and he did well.
Nathan Ake also had a stellar performance. He made do with two assists and made some fine runs from the left-back position. The Man City star partnered well with Gakpo on the left side. He was also solid on his defensive recoveries. The two assists complimented his overall performance.
Tijjani Reijnders also had a great game. He helped fill the role of De Jong. In the course of the game, he helped the Netherlands in circulation and keeping possession. He also had some tricky moves and line-breaking passes. Reijnders was pivotal to keeping the Dutch midfield in a strong condition.
More to Come for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands will go on face a formidable opponent France in their next game. Their game against France will be a game to watch. However, a draw is the least they could afford. They’ll hope to finish off Austria in the final game to secure their qualifications.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
