The Netherlands held to 1-1 draw by Poland but stay top of group

The Netherlands were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Poland in their World Cup qualifying match in Rotterdam on Thursday evening, and remain in joint first place in their group after three games.

Denzel Dumfries opened the scoring before half-time at De Kuip, but Aston Villa defender Matty Cash equalised for Poland in the 80th minute in what was described by pundits as a “sloppy” second half.

Coach Ronald Koeman said afterwards that the late goal was “painful”.”If we had won we would have made a big shift towards the World Cup,” he said. “And I am disappointed we didn’t.”

All group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up must go through the play-offs.

The match marked a new record for the national team, with eight Premier League players starting for the Netherlands — more than in any previous international.

On Sunday, the Netherlands travel to Kaunas to face Lithuania, while Poland play at home against Finland. Oranje’s return leg against Poland will take place in Warsaw on November 14.