The opening match of Group D at Euro 2024 sees Poland facing the Netherlands at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion on Sunday. Poland, arriving on a five-match winning streak, will compete in their fifth consecutive major tournament, despite missing key players Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik due to injuries.
Poland’s journey to the finals involved overcoming Estonia and Wales in the playoffs after finishing third in their qualifying group. Coach Michal Probierz, who took over after a brief stint by Fernando Santos, has rejuvenated the team, which recently won warm-up friendlies against Ukraine and Turkey.
However, Poland’s record at the Euros is concerning, with only two wins from 14 matches. Their historical struggles against the Netherlands add to the challenge, having not beaten them in 12 encounters since 1979.
In contrast, the Netherlands, under coach Ronald Koeman, qualified comfortably and are eager to replicate their 1988 success when they last won the European Championship in Germany. The Dutch come into the tournament with strong recent performances, including decisive wins over Canada and Iceland.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, who scored in both warm-up games, leads a confident Dutch side. Despite missing Frenkie de Jong, Marten De Roon, and Teun Koopmeiners due to injuries, the team has depth, with Memphis Depay and Brian Brobbey expected to lead the attack.
Poland will rely on experienced goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and midfield maestro Piotr Zielinski. Karol Swiderski, despite an ankle issue, may start as a ‘false nine’, while Krzysztof Piatek offers a more traditional striking option.
The Netherlands are likely to start with Verbruggen in goal, Dumfries and Van Dijk in defense, and a midfield and attack featuring Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo, and Depay.
Predicted Lineups
Poland: Szczesny; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Slisz; Frankowski, Zielinski, Piotrowski, Szymanski, Zalewski; Swiderski
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Ake, Van de Ven; Schouten, Veerman; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
Prediction: Poland 0-1 Netherlands
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