Poland vs Netherlands Predictions

• The Dutch have won to nil in six of their last seven games
• Poland struggled in their qualifying campaign last year, losing three of four away games
• The Dutch have won 4-0 in three of their last four games
• Denzel Dumfries has scored at consecutive major tournaments and should find space down that flank

Oranje chase bright start

After a solid showing at the 2022 World Cup, the Netherlands begin their Euro 2024 campaign against a Polish side that struggled through qualification. The Dutch took Argentina to penalties in the quarter-finals in Qatar after winning three of their first four games and they’ll be aiming for a bright start in Germany too.

The Dutch head into the tournament as outsiders, they’re a 16/1 chance to go all the way and lift the trophy for a second time. Tricky opposition in Group D doesn’t help matters, as they’re reunited with a French side that beat them home and away in qualifying. Austria could also really push them for a top-two finish, so it’s vital the Dutch make a winning start.

Long awaited debut for Koeman

Ronald Koeman guided the Netherlands to Euro 2020, but he left for Barcelona before the delayed tournament took place. He returned to the role in January last year, a month after his original four-and-a-half-year deal would have ended. 

Koeman has won 19 of 33 games across two spells with the Dutch, with his side winning six of eight qualifiers in 2023. He ushered in a new era after the side failed to make Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup and they head to Germany in a much stronger place. 

The Dutch have a variety of attacking options, with 21-year-old Xavi Simons forcing his way into a front three with Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo. They also have support from Denzel Dumfries at right-wing-back and the Inter Milan man has scored three goals across the last two major tournaments. 

He has a favourable matchup here, as Poland play a largely narrow system with Nicola Zalewski as their only presence on the left flank. Dumfries should get space to push forward and given that he scored in the first two games for the Dutch at Euro 2020, he’s a great value anytime goalscorer pick.

Poland set to struggle

Poland made the Euros after beating Wales on penalties earlier this year, but they struggled through qualifying. They picked up three wins in eight games, two of which came against the Faroe Islands. Poland lost three of their four away games in qualifying, finishing four points shy of Albania and the Czech Republic.

Poland’s away struggles don’t bode well for them in Germany, while they have made it out of the group stage in just two of their eight tournament appearances this century. Their time in Qatar ended with meek defeats to Argentina and France, so the Netherlands are a decent price to kick off the tournament with a win.

The Dutch have won to nil in six of their last seven games and they’ve recorded three 4-0 victories in their last four matches. While this should be slightly closer than their victories over Scotland, Canada and Iceland, the Dutch look good for a comfortable opening win. When you consider the defensive and attacking options Koeman has at his disposal, a 3-0 win appeals.