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In their first-ever matchup for Euro 2024, Netherlands defeated Poland 2-1 on Sunday.
In Hamburg, Wout Weghorst appeared to have frustrated his opponents by bringing his best game to the grand stage.
At the Volkswagenparkstadion, Adam Buksa, the Barcelona striker's replacement, put Poland ahead with a header after 16 minutes, but Cody Gakpo leveled the score with a deflected shot.
Before Weghorst's late intervention in the 83rd minute to thrill his team's supporters, the Netherlands was unable to capitalize on more opportunities and Poland was getting better as the game appeared to be headed to a draw.
The Netherlands, who didn't make it to either of the 2018 or Euro 2016 World Cups but did well in the World Cup two years prior, got out to a fast start.
Liverpool winger Gakpo took the creative reins alongside Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons, and tested Wojciech Szczesny with a low drive.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders steered a good chance narrowly wide before Michal Probierz’s Poland took the lead against the run of play with one of their first forays forward.
The forward’s effort from just outside the area deflected in off Bartosz Salamon, leaving Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny with no chance.
Poland largely managed to stifle their opponents in a more even second half, with the Netherlands short of ideas.
It took Weghorst to finally put the Oranje ahead. He finished clinically with his first opportunity two minutes after coming on.
Bolstered by their late winner, Netherlands next face tournament favourites France on Friday, while Poland take on Austria hoping to have Lewandowski fit to play.
