Softfootball stories that the Netherlands’ good begin to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification marketing campaign got here to an finish with a 1-1 draw in opposition to Poland at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam. Ronald Koeman’s aspect, who had opened Group G with wins over Finland and Malta, now sit stage on seven factors with Poland and Finland after three rounds of matches.
Regardless of the sport being anticipated to be carefully contested, the Oranje start brightly and create a flurry of probabilities contained in the opening 20 minutes. Tijjani Reijnders rattles the publish with a deflected effort, whereas Łukasz Skorupski produces a number of sharp saves to disclaim Cody Gakpo and Denzel Dumfries. The Inter Milan defender finally makes the breakthrough halfway by way of the primary half, rising highest on the again publish to go in Memphis Depay’s nook and provides the hosts a deserved lead.
Poland, celebrating Piotr Zieliński’s a centesimal worldwide look, wrestle for lengthy spells however carry a menace on the counter. Sebastian Szymański heads vast from Nicola Zalewski’s cross earlier than the break, providing a reminder that the guests stay within the contest.
The second half sees the Dutch proceed to regulate possession however waste a collection of alternatives to increase their benefit. Dumfries causes issues once more on the suitable, Xavi Simons grazes the aspect netting, and Memphis stays closely concerned, however Poland’s defence holds agency.
The Netherlands have been clearly upset, and their feeling of disappointment was clear through the staff’s official X account.
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With quarter-hour left, Jan City’s aspect punish the Dutch for his or her profligacy. Matty Money pounces on a free ball on the fringe of the realm and rifles a thunderous strike previous Bart Verbruggen. A VAR test for offside confirms the objective, and Poland maintain out beneath late strain to assert a priceless level of their first away fixture beneath City.
For the Netherlands, the draw looks like two factors dropped after a dominant show, whereas Poland go away Rotterdam with renewed perception, ending the Oranje’s profitable streak and holding Group G finely balanced.
