Dutch edge Poland to close on Nations League finals
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E-mail Xinhua, September 23, 2022
Cody Gakpo and Steven Bergwijn led the Netherlands to a 2-0 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League in Warsaw on Thursday.
Louis van Gaal's men controled the game from the very beginning. The visitors needed just 13 minutes to break the deadlock as Denzel Dumfries sent a low ball beyond Poland's defence to Gakpo, who tapped home from close range.
Poland tried to take the initiative but Robert Lewandowski and his teammates couldn't threaten the Netherlands, who continued their momentum. In the 37th minute, Nicola Zalewski got the ball in the penalty area but his right-footed shot was saved by Remko Pasveer.
After the break, the favorites didn't slow the pace as they kept possession for more than 60 percent of the time.
In the 60th minute the Netherlands doubled the lead. Bergwijn received a stunning return pass from Vincent Janssen and then handled the pressure as his clinical finish left Wojciech Szczesny helpless. In the closing stages, the visitors had several chances to make it 3-0, but Janssen and Gakpo missed the target. The Netherlands showed great efficiency, as only two shots on target allowed them to win 2-0 with a total of 11 attempts.
Van Gaal's side are now in first position in Group 4 with 13 points.
On Sunday, the Netherlands will face Belgium, while Wales host Poland.
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