Wout Weghorst proved the hero for the Netherlands with the substitute scoring two minutes after coming on to earn a late 2-1 win over Poland in their Euro 2024 opener.

Poland took a shock lead with their first attempt on target, as Adam Buksa steered a header into the Dutch net from a corner.

The Dutch created a host of chances and were rewarded when a Cody Gakpo strike was deflected beyond goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Weghorst completed the turnaround in the 83rd minute, steering home with his first touch after coming off the bench.

Here, Mail Sport rates the players from the Group D clash.

POLAND (3-4-3)

WOJCIECH SZCZESNY – 6

The Poland goalkeeper was left helpless by the cruel deflection on Gakpo’s shot which brought the Dutch level in the first half.

Showed sharp reactions to deny Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk, but will feel he could have done better with Weghorst’s winning goal.

JAN BEDNAREK – 6

In a game of deflections, his touch from Ake’s pass inadvertently steered the ball invitingly into the path of Weghorst, who slotted home the Netherlands’ crucial second.

BARTOSZ SALAMON – 6

Impressed in the central role of the Polish defence early on, stepping out of the defence to rob Depay of possession on several occasions.

He was unfortunate his attempted block from Gakpo took the ball out of Szczesny’s reach for the equaliser. He was beaten by Weghorst to the ball for the Dutch winner.

JAKUB KIWIOR – 6

Put the pressure on Simons to force the youngster to snatch at a chance on the counter.

PRZEMYSLAW FRANKOWSKI – 4

Had a tough time when dealing with the threat of Cody Gakpo, with the Liverpool man causing havoc down his side throughout the match.

PIOTR ZIELINSKI – 7

Captain in the absence of the injured Robert Lewandowski. Produced a perfect delivery from a corner for Buksa to head home.

TARAS ROMANCZUK – 5

Was one of two Poland players brought off in the 55th minute in an attempt to stem a wave of Dutch chances.

NICOLA ZALEWSKI – 6

His aimless clearance was cut out by Nathan Ake leading directly to the Netherlands’ equaliser.

Improved as the match went on, providing Poland with an outlet to relieve pressure on the flank. Denied from distance with the last kick of the game.

SEBASTIAN SZYMANSKI – 5

Was withdrawn at half-time for Jakub Moder after a quiet 45 minutes.

KACPER URBANSKI – 6

The 19-year-old was making just his third appearance for the national team after an impressive season at Bologna.

Showed some nice touches and composure, before being replaced in the 55th minute.

ADAM BUKSA – 8

The man tasked with stepping into the shoes of talisman Lewandowski made the perfect start with his superb glancing header giving Poland a shock lead.

His tussle with Van Dijk was a good battle to watch and appeared to be enjoying the duel.

SUBSTITUTES

Moder (for Szymanski 45) – 7

Slisz (for Romanczuk 55) – 6

Swiderski (for Urbanski 55) – 7

Piotrowski (for Zielinski 78) – N/A

Bereszynski (for Salamon 86) – N/A

NETHERLANDS (4-2-3-1)

BART VERBRUGGEN – 7

Became the youngest goalkeeper to start a men’s European Championship match for 60 years. Could not do anything about Buksa’s glancing header from a corner.

Verbruggen made smart saves from Kiwor and Zalewski, as well as an excellent stop from Karol Swiderski.

DENZEL DUMFRIES – 6

As expected, pushed high and gave the Dutch width on the right flank. Provided a threat with late runs into the box, firing one effort wide of the target.

STEFAN DE VRIJ – 6

Should have done much better with a free header from a corner but sent his effort over the crossbar.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7

The Dutch captain showed his leadership, marshalling the Dutch defence and directing his team-mates into position.

Did show some frustration after giving up free kicks in his duel with Buksa.

NATHAN AKE – 8

Excellent anticipation to cut out Poland clearance before feeding Gakpo to level the match. Tidy in possession as expected and slotted in from left back to form a three-man defence as Dumfries pushed on.

His drive forward also created the Dutch winner, albeit his pass was aided by a deflection.

JERDY SCHOUTEN – 6

A nice turn in the opening minute of the match, but was a largely quiet for the Dutch.

JOEY VEERMAN – 5

Appeared to be the man tasked with picking up Buksa from the corner. Needlessly booked for protesting Reijnders yellow card.

XAVI SIMONS – 6

Showed his potential by creating a number of openings in the early stages, but sliced wide from a promising Dutch break in the second half.

The 21-year-old was substituted as his influence faded.

TIJJANI REIJNDERS – 6

Unable to steer an early chance into the bottom corner, sending his effort wide of the target. Broke forward well and played an excellent though ball to launch a dangerous counter attack.

Was harshly booked early on for a mistimed tackle.

CODY GAKPO – 9

Appropriate Gakpo was the man to bring the Dutch level on the half hour mark having been their most dangerous outlet.

The Liverpool man looked at home on the left flank, cutting in onto his favoured right foot. Rightfully named man of the match by UEFA.

MEMPHIS DEPAY – 4

Eye-catching in more ways than one, with the forward’s headband and fast footwork grabbing attention.

Struggled with his back to goal and passed up two excellent chances in the first half, blazing a golden opportunity over the bar and scuffing another wide of the target.

Partly at fault for failing to block the run of Buksa for the opening goal.

SUBSTITUTES

Malen (for Simons 62) – 6

Wijnaldum (for Veerman 62) – 6

Wout Weghorst (For Depay 81) – 8 – The dream introduction, scoring the winner two minutes after coming off the bench.

Frimpong (for Gakpo (81) – N/A

Van de Ven (for Ake 87) – N/A