Wout Weghorst's late strike saw the Netherlands overturn a one-goal deficit to defeat Poland 2-1 in Hamburg in their opening EURO 2024 match.
The Dutch conceded early after Adam Buksa converted a corner in the 16th minute. Cody Gakpo soon had the Netherlands back on level terms 13 minutes later with a long-range effort.
Resolute defending from Poland proved difficult to overcome, however. Weghorst's introduction in the 81st minute changed that as he popped up two minutes later to turn home the winner.
It was a necessary goal from the Burnley centre-forward, as the Netherlands face the challenge of World Cup finalists France next.
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"You have a feeling you're going to score"
Despite Weghorst's late introduction, he may well have made a sizeable impact on the Netherlands' hopes of progression. His partner, however, nearly did not attend.
"You almost have a feeling [that you're going to score]. My partner was doubting whether she would come. I said it would be a draw 20 minutes before the end, then I would come on and score," he recounted.
"Sometimes you just feel it. I'm just really happy and proud."
The former Manchester United player showed astute goalscoring nous as he timed his run to perfection to pick up Nathan Ake's through-ball and fire home from the centre of the box.
Weghorst was not the only player with support from home in attendance. Fellow goalscorer Gakpo put in a player of the match display for those cheering for him.
"My family was here, in the stadium, so that was great. As for the scenes at the end, I cannot describe it. It's an amazing feeling. I'm very happy that we took all three points," reflected the Liverpool forward.
Gakpo was a thorn in the side of the Polish defence all match, often threatening off the left. His goal was his ninth for the Netherlands in 24 appearances.
It was a crucial contribution to the eventual three points as he found space centrally to fire from range and beat Wojciech Szczesny after taking a small deflection.
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"We have to be more clinical"
While the Oranje found their way to the three points, the narrow scoreline did not reflect their on-pitch dominance.
Several chances should have found the back of the net. Gakpo skewed over the bar from close range in the 42nd minute, while Memphis Depay turned a shot just wide of the far post on the stroke of half-time.
"We were dominant in the first half and were the better team. We created six or seven really, really good chances," argued Weghorst.
"We have to be more clinical and then you can make things easier, but we didn't do that."
Poland's early goal clearly caused some panic among the Dutch, leading to a speight of rushed chances.
Gakpo's equaliser restored a degree of calm to the Netherlands attack, but the forward himself was pragmatic about Poland's strength.
"It was a tough match, against a tough opponent. Obviously, they scored first, so it was a little bit more difficult. But we created a lot of good opportunities. Overall, I think we performed really well," he said.
