Euro 2024: Weghorst 'upset' at Netherlands sub role post-goal

HAMBURG, Germany -- Dutch manager Ronald Koeman said Wout Weghorst is "upset" at being told he is likely to start games on the bench for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 after the former Manchester United forward scored a late winner in a 2-1 win against Poland just minutes after entering the game as a substitute.

Weghorst, 31, replaced Memphis Depay in the 82nd minute of the Group D fixture in Hamburg and scored moments later by converting a Nathan Aké pass from close range.

The Dutch had missed several clear chances against the Poles, whose first-half opener by Adam Buksa was cancelled out by Cody Gakpo, before Koeman turned to Weghorst.

After the striker netted his seventh goal in 11 international matches to send his team to victory, Koeman said that he has had to tell Weghorst why he believes he has more impact in games from the bench.

"Of course, you want to play from the beginning and make as many minutes as possible. Ultimately, you just want to become a European champion. As I've said many times before, I know I will have my value and be important."

Koeman said that the 6-foot-4 striker is good for the Netherlands because he brings "English qualities" to the team.

"I think every team needs Dutch qualities and also English qualities," Koeman said.

"That makes the team stronger, and of course he can start because he started in other games.

"He started really well, and that is an option. We will see what the best is for the team and not the best for the player.

"He is aggressive, and Memphis is the forward who plays often and has a lot of ball possession. We were not able to run a lot in the first half, but Wout is aggressive and he always takes initiative and is a good header as well.

"He has one chance and finds the net."