Watch: Weghorst's key goal helps the Netherlands avoid upset

Netherlands forward Wout Weghorst. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Wout Weghorst's key goal helps the Netherlands avoid upset vs. Poland

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 16, 2024 12:40 PM ET

After an underwhelming stint at Manchester United, few expected forward Wout Weghorst to have an impact in the 2024 European Championship. However, he stepped up in the Netherlands' opening match.

Tied 1-1 against Poland, Dutch manager Ronald Koeman took a risk, replacing forward Memphis Depay with Weghorst in the 81st minute. Two minutes later, the 31-year-old forward netted a goal, giving the Netherlands a 2-1 lead.

THERE IT IS!!

The Netherlands take a late lead over Poland thanks to Wout Weghorst pic.twitter.com/GeRzCYtDvn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2024

The Netherlands held on to the lead in extra time, securing its first victory in Group D. The Oranje will face France on Friday.

Weghorst only scored two goals in 31 games at Manchester United during the 2022-23 season and spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

The big goal vs. Poland could help Weghorst regain some confidence, which would be ideal for the Netherlands. Throughout his national team career, he has delivered in key moments.

In the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal vs. Argentina, Weghorst scored two goals, taking the match to extra time, when the Dutch lost on penalty kicks.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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