The Netherlands team didn't shine in their opening match of EURO 2024, but coach Ronald Koeman's side still beat Poland (2-1). That's the most important thing!
Without Frenkie de Jong, coach Koeman lacks a midfield playmaker capable of controlling the game and consistently distributing the ball. The Netherlands' midfield consists of Joey Veerman, Jerdy Schouten, and Tijani Reijnders – names fans will likely have to Google to find out who they are. Up front, the Netherlands also lack a true striker. Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, and Xavi Simons all possess speed and technique, but aren't adept at playing with their backs to the goal. It's easy to imagine how the Netherlands will play: bypassing the midfield, attacking down the flanks, and trying to build up play as quickly as possible.
Weghorst immediately shone upon coming on as a substitute, helping the Netherlands come from behind to secure three points in their opening match in Group D.
REUTERS
The peak years of Dutch football were associated with the nickname "The Orange Tornado," but modern football cannot rely solely on whirlwind attacks. It requires calmness and solidity to control the game, adjusting the pace to lure opponents into traps. The Netherlands lacked this quality in last night's match. After conceding the first goal to Adam Buksa, Coach Koeman's players launched a relentless attack and scored a relatively lucky equalizer when Gakpo's shot deflected off a Polish defender. However, as Poland tightened their formation in the second half, the Netherlands lacked both the rhythm of play and a penetrating spearhead to break through the opponent's dense defense. Bringing Weghorst on was Coach Koeman's last resort. Despite scoring 7 goals for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last season, Weghorst has never been a truly outstanding striker. Weghorst's golden goal in the 83rd minute was both a stroke of luck and sealed the Netherlands' emotional comeback.
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