Euro 2024 Results and Highlights: England and the Netherlands Triumph in Openers
Euro 2024 Wout Weghorst’s decisive goal in the 83rd minute secured a 2-1 victory for the Netherlands over Poland.
Christian Eriksen’s triumphant return to the Euros, three years after his cardiac arrest, highlighted Sunday’s action-packed matches. The day saw the Netherlands come from behind to defeat Poland, and England narrowly escape Serbia’s comeback attempt to secure their opening match victory in Germany.
Euro 2024 Sunday Scores
- Poland 1, Netherlands 2
- Denmark 1, Slovenia 1
- Serbia 0, England 1
England’s Uneven Start: A Close Victory Against Serbia
England, considered one of the tournament favorites, began their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. Jude Bellingham, continuing his stellar year, scored his first major international tournament goal for England with a header in the 13th minute from a Bukayo Saka cross.
Despite England’s early lead, Serbia clawed back into the game, making it a tight contest. Both teams had several significant misses, forcing goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Predrag Rajkovic into crucial saves. Though England emerged with three points and a top spot in their group, questions remain about their potential to go all the way in Euro 2024.
Denmark and Slovenia Share Points: Eriksen’s Memorable Goal
In Stuttgart, Denmark and Slovenia played to a 1-1 draw, with both goals being unforgettable. Denmark’s Christian Eriksen marked his return to the Euros with a goal in the 17th minute, a significant moment following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. Eriksen, who returned to professional football in February 2022 with a heart-monitoring device, made a powerful statement with his comeback.
Despite Denmark controlling much of the game, they were inefficient with their chances, allowing Slovenia to equalize. Erik Janza’s long-distance shot from a set piece in the 72nd minute brought Slovenia level, marking their first appearance at the Euros since 2000.
Netherlands Edge Past Poland: Weghorst’s Late Heroics
Wout Weghorst’s late goal in the 83rd minute ensured the Netherlands secured a 2-1 win over Poland in their Euro 2024 opener. Poland, missing star striker Robert Lewandowski for most of the match due to injury, took an early lead with Adam Buksa scoring off a set piece in the 16th minute.
However, the Netherlands quickly responded with Cody Gakpo’s goal from outside the penalty area in the 29th minute. The Dutch maintained an aggressive approach throughout the match, dominating possession and taking 21 shots. Despite their wastefulness, putting only four on target, Weghorst’s quick strike just after coming on as a substitute sealed their victory.
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Current Standings
Group C
- England, 3 points (+1)
- Denmark, 1 point (0)
- Slovenia, 1 point (0)
- Serbia, 0 points (-1)
Group D
- Netherlands, 3 points (+1)
- Austria, 0 points (0)
- France, 0 points (0)
- Poland, 0 points (-1)
Goal of the Day: Slovenia’s Stunning Equalizer
Slovenia marked their return to the Euros with a memorable moment, thanks to Erik Janza’s equalizer against Denmark in the 77th minute. After initially failing to capitalize on a corner, Janza’s one-touch strike from outside the penalty area secured a draw and ensured Slovenia’s comeback was celebrated in style.
Player of the Day: Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham continues to captivate the football world, demonstrating his exceptional talent with a crucial goal for England. His performance underscores his importance to the Three Lions, highlighting his ability to influence the game’s outcome. Despite tactical concerns, Bellingham’s presence provides England with a significant advantage.
Must-See Moment: Eriksen’s Inspiring Return
Christian Eriksen’s return to the Euros is a universally celebrated moment, replacing the haunting memory of his cardiac arrest with the joy of scoring goals. His ability to play at a high level for both club and country is a testament to his resilience and has inspired countless fans and well-wishers.
Upcoming Matches on Monday
(All times Eastern; all games available on Fubo, try for free)
- Romania vs. Ukraine, 9 a.m. on Vix (preview)
- Belgium vs. Slovakia, 12 p.m. on FS1 (preview)
- Austria vs. France, 3 p.m. on Fox (preview)
Saturday’s Recap: Dominant Performances by Favorites
Saturday saw ten goals across three matches, with favorites living up to expectations. Switzerland defeated Hungary 3-1, Spain triumphed 3-0 over Croatia in a highly anticipated match, and Italy overcame Albania 2-1 despite an early scare. These results set the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.
Euro 2024 is off to a thrilling start, with memorable moments, standout performances, and the promise of more excitement to come as the competition progresses.