Georginio Wijnaldum’s second half strike earned a much improved Netherlands a 2-1 win over Poland in Gdansk.

janssen neth poAfter the half-hearted performance in Dublin on Friday Danny Blind run the changes with Marco van Ginkel, Steven Berghuis and Kenny Tete coming into start ahead of Memphis Depay, Kevin Strootman and Joel Veltman.

The introduction of Berghuis in particular breathed new life into the Dutch side and the Watford winger played a major role in the opening goal. Berghuis chased down a poor Wijnaldum cross before lifting the ball perfectly to the impressive Vincent Janssen, who buried his header from close range.

The goal was well deserved for the Oranje who controlled most of the opening half and created several chances as both Janssen and Berghuis forced Wojciech Szczesny into fine saves. At the other end Poland created only one clear cut chance in the opening half as Robert Lewandowski’s flick put Arkaduisz Milik through on goal, but the Ajax man’s strike came back down off the bar.

However, on the hour mark, Poland found their equaliser and once again it was marking from a corner which let the Netherlands down. Marco van Ginkel lost Artur Jędrzejczyk from the cross and the Pole powered a header into the net.

Netherlands recovered from the setback and found the winning goal with fifteen minutes to go as substitute Luciano Narsingh set up Wijnaldum, who spun his marker in the box before firing past Szczesny.

Poland couldn’t find a late equaliser as the Dutch held on for a much-needed win which raises confidence in the national team and eases the pressure on Danny Blind after the tepid display last week. Netherlands now finish their trio of friendlies with a trip to face Austria on Saturday.




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