Oranje held to 1-1 draw against Poland after conceding late equalizer
Oranje were held to a 1-1 draw after conceding a late equalizer in their World Cup qualification match against Poland on Thursday in De Kuip in Rotterdam. The Dutch national side had taken the lead in the first half when Denzel Dumfries put them in the lead, but Poland equalized in the 80th minute through Matty Cash.
Although the result was disappointing for Oranje, they remain top of Group G with seven points. Ronald Koeman’s side holds a game in hand over Poland, who also have seven points in second place, as does Finland. The group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup in 2026, while the runner-up advances to the playoffs.
Memphis Depay started the game in the striker position. The 31-year-old had picked up a muscle injury and a virus at his club, Corinthians, but was fit enough to start the game.
Oranje came close to getting the first goal in the 13th minute. A shot from Tijjani Reijnders was deflected onto the post. The rebound came to Denzel Dumfries, but his effort went wide of the goal.
The second significant chance of the game resulted in the Polish post being hit for the second time. A cross from Cody Gakpo was headed towards goal by Dumfries, but Poland goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski saved the effort. The rebound came off of Nicola Zalewski before it hit the post.
Oranje broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. A deep corner from Depay was missed by Skorupski and then headed into the net by Dumfries, scoring his 11th goal for the national side.
Poland's only real chance of the first half came eight minutes before halftime. A cross from Zalewski found former Feyenoord midfielder Sebastian Szymanski unmarked in the box, but he was unable to direct the header towards goal.
It was an uneventful second half with Koeman’s side unable to break down the Polish defence. The only significant opportunity in the second half fell to Xavi Simons, but the midfielder dragged the shot wide.
The equalizer came out of nowhere. Although Oranje were struggling to create chances, Poland had created little of note throughout the whole game until the team’s right back, Matty Cash, smashed a shot into the near corner from an acute angle.
Oranje face Lithuania on Sunday in Kaunas. Poland faces Finland at home.
