Poland vs Netherlands: Preview, lineups and predictions

Poland collected a mere point during their last European Championship effort so they will be hoping for better this time around. However, that may be a tough task given the rather challenging group they find themselves in. As well as fixtures against France and Austria to come, the first test for Michał Probierz’s men comes in the form of 1988 European champions, the Netherlands.

The Dutch are not among the main contenders to be crowned champions of Euro 2024, but you would not want to rule them out too quickly. They won all their group-stage matches in Euro 2020, and another strong display in this Group D opening clash may strengthen their dark-horse status.

• Location: Hamburg
• Stadium: Volksparkstadion
• Date: 16 June 2024
• Kick-off Time: 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST)
• Referee: Artur Soares Dias
• VAR: Tiago Martins

Poland Team News

An injury to Robert Lewandowski has dealt Poland a huge blow before a ball has even been kicked. The country’s all-time leading goalscorer sustained an injury during the 2-1 win over Turkey on Monday. It was a rather cursed match for the Poles, who also saw Pawel Dawidowicz and Karol Swiderski pick up knocks, but the pair are expected to be fully fit by Sunday. Elsewhere, there are no fresh problems for Poland. However, they are, of course, without Arkadiusz Milik and Matty Cash, both omitted from the squad due to injury.

Netherlands Team News

Lewandowski’s Barcelona teammate, Frankie De Jong, will also take no part in this game as he has been ruled out of the entire tournament. The 27-year-old has been unable to shake off a recurring ankle problem that most recently picked up in April. Fellow midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who has 21 international caps, will also play no part in Germany after injuring himself during the warm-up of Monday’s clash with Iceland. These two dropouts are, however, good news for Ian Maatsen and Joshua Zirkzee, who have both enjoyed late call-ups.

Poland vs Netherlands H2H Record and Key Numbers

This will be the 20th meeting between the two sides, in a fixture where the Dutch have fared best, courtesy of nine wins compared to Poland’s three. Moreover, worryingly for Poland, the last time they registered a win over the Dutch was way back in 1979.

While the Dutch have the superior recent head-to-head record as you can see above, both teams are in similarly good form ahead of this clash. The Dutch have won eight of their last 10, with narrow defeats only coming to heavyweights Germany and France. Poland meanwhile have lost just once in the same time, this being a 2-0 away defeat to Albania.

Possible Lineups

• Poland (3-5-2): Szczęsny – Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior – Frankowski, Moder, Slisz, Zalewski, Zieliński – Swiderski, Buksa
• Netherlands (3-4-2-1): Verbruggen – De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake – Dumfries, Schouten, Wijnaldum, Blind – Simons, Gakpo – Weghorst

Where to Watch Poland vs Netherlands Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

Viewers in Poland can watch the game via TVP while Dutch residents can tune into the action through NOS. In the UK, the game will be available on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Website. Streaming options may also be available depending on your location.

Prediction

Poland has recorded just two group-stage wins from a possible 12 in the European Championships. It is hard to see them registering a third here, as there is little going in their favour. They are without their talismanic goalscorer, Lewandoski. Additionally, there is no doubt that they have a weaker squad on paper and looked unconvincing during qualification despite a relatively easy group. Although they will likely put up something of a fight, a 2-0 win for the Dutch is my call for this one.

For more Poland – Netherlands predictions and odds, you can visit our tips page.