"I knew this was going to happen" - Wout Weghorst reacts after scoring late winner for the Netherlands in Euro 2024 clash against Poland
The Netherlands star Wout Weghorst revealed he was confident of netting the winner in their Euro 2024 game against Poland, and that was exactly what transpired. He came off the bench and fired his side in front in the 83rd minute, which eventually sealed all three points for them.
Adam Buksa had put the Eagles in front by scoring a header off a corner in the 16th minute, before Cody Gakpo equalized for Ronald Koeman's side 13 minutes later. The Oranje pushed for a second goal, but missed two big chances in the first half through Gakpo and Memphis Depay.
In the closing stages, Nathan Ake laid off a lovely ball for Weghorst, who had space inside the box, and the striker sliced a shot beyond Polish custodian Wojciech Szczesny to make it 2-1 for the Netherlands.
Speaking to the press after the match, the 31-year-old revealed that he foresighted the moment, and revealed to have had a conversation regrading this with his partner before the game. He said:
"I knew this was going to happen. I can show you the Whatsapp texts. This morning I texted my girlfriend: 'It will be 0-0 or 1-1 about 20 minutes before FT whistle, and then..' My goal came a bit later, but still."
The Netherlands finished with a whopping 21 shots in the game, while possessing 67% of the ball. They next play heavyweights France in their second group fixture on Friday, whereas Poland face Austria on the same day.
Wout Weghorst is the man for the big occasions
The Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst has only scored 12 goals for them, but some of them have been really crucial for the side, just like the winner he netted against Poland.
Back in June 2022, he scored in the stoppage-time against Wales during their UEFA Nations League encounter to give the Dutch a 2-1 victory. Just months later, the former Manchester United star then struck twice against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to bring his side back from the dead.
Currently plying his trade with Burnley following a short stint with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, Weghorst is fast becoming the go-to man for late goals for the Netherlands. Coming into the tournament on the back of two goals in two friendlies, he continued the streak with by netting in his third outing on the trot.
The towering Dutchman could be a dark horse in the race for the Golden Boot, but more crucially, a key attacking weapon for his side as they aim for their second title in the championship.