The Netherlands and Poland flattered themselves to be lying at the previous European Championship and they cannot afford a wrong move as they start in a fiendishly tough Group D.
The Dutch were knocked out by the Czech Republic at Euro 2020, although Ronald Koeman’s return to the dugout inspired a respectable run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After a dramatic late comeback, the Netherlands lost on penalties to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Poland bowed out a round earlier in Qatar against the other finalists, exiting the Euro 2020 group stage winless.
Heading into their opener at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion, Michal Probierz’s side have major concerns in attack as they face a Dutch backline featuring some of the most famous defensive names in European football.
Team news
Poland will be without top scorer Robert Lewandowski and Juventus forward Arkadiusz Milik has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury sustained during a friendly against Ukraine on June 7.
Coach Michal Probierz will have to be creative with the attack. Despite the ankle problem, Karol Swiderski could play as a false nine. Alternatively, Krzysztof Piatek could lead.
Experienced Wojciech Szczesny with 82 starts will start in goal. Piotr Zielinski, another player from Italy, will aim to control the midfield.
The Netherlands have also suffered injuries ahead of Euro 2024. Frenkie de Jong, Marten De Roon, and Teun Koopmeiners have been forced to stay at home to put a dent in Ronald Koeman’s midfield plans.
Borussia Dortmund full-back Ian Maatsen has been called up, but Nathan Ake or Micky van de Ven should start on the left side of defense.
Memphis Depay is expected to lead the line in the absence of Brian Brobbery, with Wout Weghorst likely to come off the bench. Denzel Dumfries, who had five assists in qualifying, is likely to feature on the right and face competition from Jeremie Frimpong.
Poland predicted Lineups: Szczesny (GK) — Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior — Frankowski, Slisz, Piotrowski, Moder, Zalewski — Zieliński — Buksa.
Netherlands predicted Lineups: Verbruggen (GK) — Dumfries, Van Dijk, Ake, Van de Ven — Schouten, Veerman — Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo — Depay.
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