According to 90min, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo showcased his talent during the Netherlands' Euro 2024 opener against Poland, although it was former Manchester United loanee Wout Weghorst who stole the spotlight with a late winning goal.
Poland, missing their record scorer Robert Lewandowski, surprisingly took the lead in Hamburg. Adam Buksa capitalized on defensive lapses from the Dutch, nodding in Piotr Zielinski's corner despite their zonal marking setup.
It took the Dutch some time to settle into the game, but Gakpo emerged as a key figure, operating from the left and often drifting centrally to link up with Memphis Depay. His equalizer came with a stroke of luck, as his shot took a deflection that wrongfooted Wojciech Szczesny in goal.
Gakpo's influence was evident throughout the match, with BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Dion Dublin noting, "Every time Netherlands get the ball, they're looking to get it to Cody Gakpo." Despite his impactful performance, Gakpo missed several chances, squandering opportunities that could have given the Dutch a clearer advantage.
As the game progressed and Gakpo's energy waned, substitutes like Donyell Malen attempted to fill the creative void. However, Polish resilience and Dutch profligacy kept the game finely balanced until Weghorst's decisive header in the 83rd minute. Although Weghorst had minimal involvement otherwise, his goal extended his impressive scoring record for the Netherlands.
The Dutch defense, led by Virgil van Dijk, showed vulnerability in dealing with set-pieces, which was a concern despite their victory. This aspect will need improvement as they prepare to face tougher opponents like France and Austria in the tournament.
Overall, while Cody Gakpo's performance stood out, it was Weghorst who ensured the Netherlands started their Euro 2024 campaign with a crucial win, setting the stage for further challenges ahead.