UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
16 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Volksparkstadion
MATCH TIMES
India
06:30 PM
UAE
05:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
04:00 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
Netherlands possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Ake, Van de Ven; Schouten, Veerman; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay
Poland possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Slisz; Frankowski, Zielinski, Piotrowski, Szymanski, Zalewski; Swiderski
Match Preview
As Group D gets underway at Euro 2024, Poland faces the Netherlands at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion on Sunday. Poland, who narrowly secured their spot in the finals through a playoff, is up against a Dutch side that comfortably qualified and aims to capture their second European title.
Poland, riding a five-match winning streak, enters their fifth consecutive major tournament. Despite a tough group draw and the absence of their star striker Robert Lewandowski due to injury, Poland is buoyed by recent momentum under coach Michal Probierz. After finishing third in their qualifying group, Poland advanced through the playoffs by defeating Estonia and Wales, the latter in a dramatic penalty shootout. Their confidence has been boosted by recent friendly wins against Ukraine (3-1) and Turkey (2-1), showcasing a variety of scoring options beyond Lewandowski.
Historically, Poland has struggled at the Euros, with only two wins in 14 matches. They also have a poor record against the Netherlands, winless in 12 encounters since 1979. In contrast, the Netherlands, participating in their 11th European Championship, have a rich history, including their 1988 triumph when the tournament was last held solely in Germany. Despite not reaching the semifinals in 20 years, Ronald Koeman's squad is determined to change that.
The Netherlands, also contending with France and Austria in Group D, are expected to reach the knockout rounds. Their recent form is strong, highlighted by consecutive 4-0 wins over Canada and Iceland. Captain Virgil van Dijk has been pivotal, scoring in both warm-up matches, and the defense remains solid despite midfield absences, including Frenkie de Jong.
Poland, missing both Lewandowski and Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik, may look to Karol Swiderski or Krzysztof Piatek to lead the attack. Veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and midfielder Piotr Zielinski are key players. The Netherlands might deploy Memphis Depay or Brian Brobbey up front, with Wout Weghorst as another option. Defensive stability will be crucial, with Denzel Dumfries expected to play a significant role on the right flank.
Sunday's opener in Hamburg promises to be a challenging encounter for Poland against a confident and well-prepared Dutch team.