Netherlands v Poland: Super-sub Wout Weghorst earns Dutch winning start at Euro 2024

Substitute Wout Weghorst struck a dramatic late winner for the Netherlands in a 2-1 victory over Poland as they started their Euro 2024 campaign with a win.

The striker, who enjoyed a strong 2022 World Cup, once again produced his best form on the big stage in Hamburg – just as Poland looked on course for a point despite injured striker Robert Lewandowski being unable to play.

The Barcelona forward's replacement Adam Buksa headed Poland in front after 16 minutes before Cody Gakpo levelled with a deflected shot from range at the Volksparkstadion.

The Netherlands, roared on by an army of orange-clad fans, failed to convert a series of good chances and Poland improved as the game seemed to be heading for a 1-1 draw in the Group D clash, before Weghorst intervened in the 83rd minute.

"I am very happy, this is indescribable, especially at a finals, so special, this is personally a dream scenario," said Weghorst.

"This is so important, to keep the good feeling going. This is just very nice for all of us. The ultimate goal is to win that cup together."

Gakpo added: "It was a tough match and a tough opponent. They scored first and it was a little more difficult, but we created a lot of good opportunities and we had to be more clinical – overall I think we performed pretty well.

"We have to analyse the game and see where we could hurt them more. Obviously, we are a team that never gives up."

Coach Ronald Koeman, in his second stint at the helm, won the tournament as a player with the Oranje in 1988, the nation's only major tournament success.

The Netherlands, who performed well two years ago at the Qatar World Cup after failing to reach Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, came out of the blocks quickly.

Liverpool winger Gakpo took