The Netherlands’ flawless start to their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign came to an end in Rotterdam on Thursday, as a spectacular long-range strike from Matty Cash secured a vital point for Poland. Despite a dominant performance for large stretches of the match, the Oranje were unable to find a winning goal, settling for a 1-1 draw.
Coming into the match, Ronald Koeman’s squad was in impressive form. The manager opted to start Corinthians striker Memphis Depay, who was fit again after a hamstring injury and virus infection. The Netherlands lineup featured a strong Premier League contingent, with eight players from England’s top flight taking to the pitch.
Poland, meanwhile, welcomed back their star player and all-time leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski, who returned to international duty after a period of absence.
The home side began with high energy, creating multiple early chances. Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders rattled the post within the first 15 minutes, and goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski was forced into a miraculous save from a powerful shot by Cody Gakpo. The pressure continued as Inter’s Denzel Dumfries also struck the post with a close-range header.
Dumfries finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, heading in a well-placed corner from Memphis Depay at the back post for his 11th international goal. The Netherlands carried their 1-0 lead into halftime, although Sebastian Szymanski had a free header for Poland that went wide of the goal.
In the second half, the Netherlands continued to press for a second goal, but Skorupski proved a formidable opponent, denying both Memphis and Tottenham newcomer Xavi Simons.
The pivotal moment came in the 80th minute. Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash collected the ball and, from distance, drove a powerful shot past Bart Verbruggen’s near post, leveling the score. The equalizer was a stunning turn of events that stunned the home crowd.
In the final minutes, the Netherlands, led by an advanced Virgil van Dijk, desperately pushed for a winner, while Poland focused on a stout defensive effort, successfully seeing out the five minutes of added time. The result marks a valuable away point for Poland, which keeps them level on points with the Netherlands in Group G.
The Netherlands will now regroup for their next qualifier in Lithuania, while Poland will host Finland.
