Group D kicked off with Poland taking on the Netherlands in Hamburg. Both sides were without their star players Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong respectively, yet they produced a fun and exciting watch.
While the Netherlands dominated possession, both sides had presentable chances and, in the end, Wout Weghorst’s first touch off the bench turned out to be the difference maker to win 2-1.
Here are the player ratings from the game.
W. Szczęsny 7
Was unlucky to concede on a deflected shot by Gakpo, but made important saves and if not for him the scoreline would have been a lot more cheerful for the Netherlands.
J. Kiwior 6
Had an average game, and defended well throughout although sometimes was caught out in possession.
B. Salamon 7
Made vital interceptions and blocks but would be remembered for the first goal which went via a big deflection off him.
J. Bednarek 6
Was put to test by the Dutch attackers numerous times but the Southampton man stood out tall. He was unlucky as Nathan Ake’s pass deflected off him and the ball fell in the perfect place for the Dutch winner.
N. Zalewski 6
A typical energetic wingback performance saw Zalewski constantly run up and down the field. Had a good battle with Xavi Simmons on the left.
P. Frankowski 4
The weakest link in the Biało-czerwoni defence today as he was exposed throughout the game by Cody Gakpo as the Pole came out second in most of the duels.
P. Zieliński 7
The Polish captain was touted to be the main creative outlet and he did deliver a superb cross for the game’s opener.
T. Romanczuk 5
Played well in midfield and kept energy in Poland’s midfield throughout.
S. Szymański 5
Was taken off at halftime as he was hardly able to contribute in Polish attacking sequences.
K. Urbański 5
A subpar performance with nothing much to show for which resulted in him being subbed off early in the second half.
A. Buksa 7
Buksa scored via a good header in the first half but was fighting a lone battle in attack later in the game.
J. Moder 6
Missed a couple of quality chances but showed quality on the ball throughout.
B. Slisz 5
Had a decent game but nothing worth noteworthy.
K. Świderski 5
A couple of shots here and there but overall a pretty subdued performance off the bench.
J. Piotrowski N/A
B. Bereszyński N/A
B. Verbruggen 7
Made good saves and ensured that the Netherlands came out on top.
N. Aké 6
Coming off fresh from winning the Premier League, Ake showed class and was a dynamic presence down the left for the Netherlands. Was responsible for the chance created leading to Weghorst’s winner
V. van Dijk 7
Solid as always in the back. Could have done a bit more to help Veerman in defending Poland’s goal.
S. de Vrij 7
Textbook art of defending with excellent aerial defending and tackling made de Vrij a standout in the game. Could have scored as well but missed an open header.
D. Dumfries 6
Made late runs in the box providing width and overall, a spirited figure down the right flank for the Netherlands.
J. Veerman 5
Failed his task of marking Buksa for the Polish opener.
J. Schouten 5
Had an average game, made no mistakes and was safe in possession.
C. Gakpo 9
Surely the most dangerous player in the match who time and again created havoc down the left flank. Scored via a deflection but he deserved it nevertheless with a superb performance.
T. Reijnders 6
Was busy throughout, although could have provided a bit more in the attack.
X. Simons 7
A bubbly and energetic presence on the right wing for the Dutch, made great runs and created problems with his pace but lacked in composure in front of goal.
M. Depay 5
Should have definitely scored in the first half. Showed several flashes of brilliance apart from which was a bit subpar in the game.
D. Malen 5
Provided threat with direct runs and dribbles.
G. Wijnaldum 5
Didn’t really get into the game.
W. Weghorst 8
Weghorst scored the fastest goal by a Netherlands substitute at the EURO, with just his first touch coming on as a sub.
M. van de Ven N/A
J. Frimpong N/A
