Poland delivered a statement performance in their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifier, holding the Netherlands to a dramatic 2-2 draw in a match packed with momentum swings, defensive errors and attacking quality. Ewa Pajor proved decisive once again, while Jill Roord and Veerle Buurman were on target for the Dutch in a fiercely contested encounter that raises new questions for Arjan Veurink’s side.
Match Highlighs
⚽ Poland 1-0: Ewa Pajor – Capitalised on a Dutch defensive error and calmly finished past Lize Kop.
⚽ 1-1 Netherlands: Veerle Buurman – Turned home from close range following a corner just before half-time.
⚽ Poland 1-2 Netherlands: Jill Roord – Fired the Dutch ahead early in the second half after a sharp attacking move.
⚽ Poland 2-2: Tomasiak – Rounded Kop and slotted home in the 84th minute after good combination play with Pajor.
Poland vs Netherlands: Fast Start and Early Warning
Poland signalled their intent from the outset, carving out the first major chance of the match inside the opening minutes. Two consecutive corner kicks immediately put the Dutch defence under pressure. From the second delivery, Poland’s Pawollek rose highest and powered a header against the crossbar. Goalkeeper Lize Kop was beaten, but the woodwork came to her rescue.
The opening ten minutes were otherwise cagey. Poland kept their defensive lines compact, sitting ready to pounce on any misplaced pass in midfield. Around the 12-minute mark, however, the Netherlands began to settle and enjoy more possession.
Poland remained dangerous on the flanks. In the 14th minute, sharp interplay between the right-back Wiankowska and winger Tomasiak opened space once more. Dijkstra blocked the cross into the box, but another corner followed. From that set-piece, Tomasiak found space again, only to fire straight at Kop.
The Dutch responded quickly. Vivianne Miedema was picked out by Veerle Buurman and slipped the ball through to Lineth Beerensteyn. The pass was slightly heavy, however, and Beerensteyn’s effort flew over the bar.
Pajor Capitalises as Poland Take the Lead
Poland’s breakthrough came after a costly mistake. A loose pass from Miedema left Dijkstra exposed, and she could not outrun Ewa Pajor. The striker surged clear and calmly slotted past Kop to make it 1-0.
The hosts nearly doubled their advantage soon after. Another rapid attack down the wing ended with Krezyman’s header superbly saved by Kop, while Dominique Janssen blocked Pajor’s rebound attempt. The Netherlands were hanging on.
A cleverly worked short corner later in the half gave the Dutch hope. Esmee Brugts combined with Jill Roord, whose effort was well saved by Polish goalkeeper Szemik.
Just before half-time, the equaliser arrived. The corner was kept alive in the box by Damaris Egurrola, who found Buurman in space. Veerle Buurman finished confidently to send the teams into the break at 1-1.
Roord Fires Netherlands Ahead After Half-Time
At the interval, Dutch head coach Arjan Veurink introduced Lynn Wilms for Casparij, and whatever was said in the dressing room had an immediate impact.
Within a minute of the restart, the Netherlands took the lead. Beerensteyn and Wieke Kaptein combined cleverly to find Roord in space. Jill Roord picked her spot perfectly and guided the ball beyond Szemik to make it 2-1 in the 46th minute.
The Dutch noticeably altered their approach, stretching the game wide and applying higher pressure. Under that intensity, Poland began to concede space and looked less secure in possession.
Poland Fight Back as Crossbar Denies Pajor Again
Despite the setback, Poland responded. Pajor shrugged off a sliding challenge from Buurman and burst forward before squaring for a teammate, but Kamczyk blazed over the bar. From the resulting corner, Pajor tested Kop, who held firmly.
Moments later, Poland came agonisingly close. A cross from Tomasiak found Pajor, who beat Janssen in the air, only to see her header crash against the crossbar for the second time in the match.
Both benches turned to their substitutes:
- In the 61st minute, Brugts made way for Grant, while Jackie Groenen replaced Damaris to inject fresh energy into midfield.
- Poland head coach Nina Patalon responded in the 66th minute, introducing Kokosz for Pawollek and Zawistowska for the impressive Krezyman.
Tomasiak Earns Deserved Equaliser
Poland continued to push. Another corner was only partially cleared, and Achcinska unleashed a powerful strike that rippled the side netting.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 84th minute and it was richly deserved. Roord won possession but lost it just as quickly, and Poland capitalised. Pajor combined smartly with Kamczyk before the ball was slipped into the box for Tomasiak. She rounded Kop with composure and slotted home to make it 2-2.
Despite late pressure and several half-chances for the Netherlands, the scoreboard remained unchanged.
A Statement Performance from Poland
The Dutch had started the second half with authority, but their inability to maintain control proved costly. Under Veurink, the Netherlands showed flashes of improvement but still looked vulnerable: a concern following their disappointing UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 campaign.
For Poland, however, this was another statement display. Organised, dangerous on the wings and clinical in key moments, they demonstrated resilience and quality to secure a deserved 2-2 draw against one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
In a tightly contested 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifier, both teams shared the spoils, but Poland may feel they made the louder statement.
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