Denmark ties Slovenia with goal from Christian Eriksen.
Netherlands forward Wout Weghorst’s return to major tournament action Sunday was a happy event — scoring late off the bench and this time decisively in a 2-1 win over Poland to begin a European Championship group that includes title favorite France.
The imposing striker struck with a low left-foot shot in the 83rd minute with his first touch after coming on to replace Memphis Depay, who had missed several shooting chances as the Dutch appeared sure to waste a winning opportunity.
Weghorst might not look the most elegant player, but his reputation for being effective was earned at the World Cup in Qatar 18 months ago.
His two late goals against Argentina — the second from an uber-cute, free-kick routine in the 11th minute of stoppage time — sent a memorable quarterfinal into extra time at 2-2 against the eventual champion.
Weghorst and Messi were among 15 players shown yellow cards by the time it was all over on the field. Then they carried it on deep inside the stadium.
This time, Weghorst’s goal was worth a win that puts some pressure on France, which already beat the Dutch twice in qualifying last year and plays Austria on Monday.
“I said it this morning to my girlfriend: ‘Scores level, 0-0, 1-1, 20 minutes to go.’ It was a bit later. But you feel it and visualize it for yourself,” Weghorst told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
Poland was forced to cope without its injured star Robert Lewandowski but soon found a goal from his replacement who matured in Major League Soccer.
