Oranje close in on 2026 World Cup spot despite second 1–1 draw with Poland
The World Cup qualifier between Oranje and Poland finished 1-1 for the second time in this group on Friday. Memphis Depay had put Ronald Koeman’s side level after the Poles had taken the lead through Jakub Kaminski. The result all but confirms Oranje’s qualification for the World Cup in 2026.
Oranje are three points ahead of Poland in first place with a 13 times better goal difference. The only way Poland would be able to catch Koeman’s side is if Oranje lost their final game at home to Lithuania and the Poles were able to bridge the 13-goal gap.
Ronald Koeman made a somewhat surprising decision to start Justin Kluivert in the attacking midfield position. He was picked ahead of Tijjani Reijnders. Donyell Malen was picked in the RW position with Xavi Simons on the bench.
Poland should have taken the lead in the 2nd minute. A cross from Matty Cash, who scored in the first game between the two sides, was missed from close range by Nicola Zalewski from just outside the six-yard box.
The home side took the lead shortly before halftime. Oranje’s defense was all over the place, and the home team took the lead after Robert Lewandowski spun before hitting a perfect pass in the path of Jakub Kaminski, and he converted the chance, placing the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
It was a perfect start to the second half for Oranje. A cross from Cody Gakpo went over Poland goalkeeper Kamil Grabara to Malen, who was fortunate that his header, which was going wide of the open goal, was blocked by Grabara, which gave Memphis Depay the chance to convert the rebound.
The goal was Depay’s sixth goal for the national side this calendar year. This is equal to Faas Wilkes in 1946 and only bettered by Marco van Basten in 1990. He scored seven times in that year.
Poland almost restored their lead straight from the kick-off. A chipped cross into the box was met by Lewandowski, but Verbruggen showed great reflexes to knock the ball over the bar.
It was an eventful game for the most part. The game was halted shortly around the hour mark when Polish supporters threw fireworks onto the pitch.
A bright spot for Oranje was the debut of Emmanuel Emegha in the 89th minute. The 22-year-old is currently playing for French side Strasbourg, but he has been signed by Chelsea. He will likely join the London club in the summer.
Oranje close out their qualifying campaign against Lithuania on Monday evening in the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
