The highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 tournament is set to kick off in Group D with a compelling match between Poland and the Netherlands. However, Poland will face a significant setback as their star striker and captain, Robert Lewandowski, is ruled out due to injury. The match is scheduled for Sunday, and is the first clash in a group that also includes formidable teams like France and Austria. Football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting this encounter, which will unfold at 9 a.m. ET, broadcasted on FOX.
Match Preview: Poland vs Netherlands
Poland secured their place in Euro 2024 as the last of the 24 participating teams, navigating a challenging playoff bracket. Their final hurdle was Wales, whom they overcame in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in March. Interestingly, Lewandowski himself converted the crucial first penalty in Cardiff, marking Poland’s first shot on target in that entire match. This victory underscored Poland’s resilience and determination to compete on the European stage.
On the other side, the Netherlands had a more straightforward path to qualification, emerging from a group stage alongside France. While they suffered defeats both home and away against the French powerhouse, who were the 2022 World Cup runner-ups, the Dutch team dominated their other fixtures. They secured victories in all six remaining games against Greece, Ireland, and Gibraltar, demonstrating their strength and consistency throughout the qualifying campaign.
The Netherlands further showcased their attacking prowess in pre-tournament warm-up matches, achieving dominant 4-0 wins against both Canada and Iceland. A notable trend in these games was their second-half surge, with seven of their eight goals coming after halftime, suggesting strong tactical adjustments and stamina within the squad.
An advantageous scheduling quirk sees Poland and the Netherlands playing their Group D opener more than a day before their group rivals, France and Austria. This grants both teams an invaluable extra day of rest before the crucial second round of group matches on Friday, potentially influencing team strategies and player recovery.
Team News and Key Absences
Poland’s major concern revolves around the injury to Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona forward sustained a thigh muscle injury during a recent warm-up game against Turkey. While he is confirmed to miss the crucial opening match against the Netherlands, there is optimism within the Polish camp that Lewandowski will recover in time to contribute later in the group stage, possibly for the game against Austria.
Adding to Poland’s woes in attack, another experienced forward, Arkadiusz Milik of Juventus, is also sidelined for the entire tournament. Milik underwent knee surgery following an injury sustained in a warm-up game against Ukraine, further depleting Poland’s forward options.
The Netherlands are not without their injury concerns, particularly in midfield. Coach Ronald Koeman has been forced to reshuffle his midfield ranks due to the absence of key players. Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, a linchpin in the Dutch midfield, is out of Euro 2024 due to injury. Additionally, Atalanta’s midfield duo, Teun Koopmeiners and Marten de Roon, are also unavailable for the tournament, leaving a significant gap in the Dutch midfield.
In response to these midfield setbacks, Koeman made some late call-ups, summoning wing-back Ian Maatsen and forward Joshua Zirkzee from their respective vacations to bolster the squad. These unexpected additions highlight the adaptability and depth Koeman is seeking to maintain within the Dutch team despite the injuries.
Historical Context and Key Statistics
Historically, the Netherlands boast a richer European Championship pedigree compared to Poland. The Oranje famously won their only European title in 1988 when West Germany hosted the tournament. A memorable moment from that campaign was their semi-final victory against the host nation in Hamburg, where current coach Ronald Koeman, then a player, scored a penalty to equalize in a 2-1 win.
Despite their long football histories, Poland and the Netherlands have never encountered each other in a major tournament before. However, this upcoming Euro 2024 match marks their 20th overall meeting since their first game 56 years ago. Poland’s historical record against the Netherlands has been challenging; their last victory dates back to 1979.
Delving into tournament-specific statistics, Poland’s Euro tournament history reveals a curious trend: their record win at a Euros is just 1-0. Across four consecutive Euro appearances since 2008, Poland managed single-goal victories against Northern Ireland and Ukraine in the Euro 2016 group stage, indicating a tendency for tight, low-scoring matches.
In stark contrast, the Netherlands holds the record for the largest win in a European Championship tournament. They achieved a resounding 6-1 victory against FR Yugoslavia in the Euro 2000 quarter-finals, a tournament they co-hosted with Belgium. This demonstrates the Dutch team’s capacity for high-scoring, dominant performances when in form.
Manager’s Perspective
Ahead of the Poland Vs Netherlands Euro 2024 clash, Poland’s coach Michał Probierz offered an update on Lewandowski’s condition, stating, “There has been progress in Robert Lewandowski’s recovery, so we hope he will come back for the game against Austria.” This statement suggests a cautious optimism regarding Lewandowski’s return later in the group stage, underscoring his importance to the Polish squad even in his absence for the opening match.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
