Netherlands 1-1 Poland: Cash hits the jackpot with stunning equaliser

Matty Cash slammed in a brilliant equaliser as Poland fought back to draw 1-1 with the Netherlands in World Cup qualifying.

Ronald Koeman’s team looked set to make it three wins from three Group G matches on Thursday, as they led thanks to Denzel Dumfries’ first-half header.

Yet Aston Villa full-back Cash, who had missed with two earlier sighters, arrowed in a superb strike in the 80th minute.

Tijjani Reijnders hit the post and Cody Gakpo went close as the Netherlands started strong, but it was a defender who put them ahead.

Memphis Depay swung a corner to the back post, where Dumfries was on hand to steer a header home.

Piotr Zielinski drove just wide of the upright before the break, but with the Netherlands unable to build on their lead in the second half, Poland eventually found their way back to parity when Cash found space on the edge of the area, and unleashed a wicked shot into the top-right corner.

A VAR check for offside threatened to stem Poland’s celebrations, but the review found Cash to have stayed onside, as Jan Urban’s team took away a point that keeps them level with the Netherlands and Finland at the top of the group.

Data Debrief: Premier League elite cannot get the job done

Eight of the Netherlands’ starting XI in Rotterdam are currently plying their trade in the Premier League: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Reijnders (Man City), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Xavi Simons (Tottenham) and Gakpo (Liverpool).

8 – For the first time in history, eight players representing clubs from the same foreign competition are starting a game for the Netherlands. Premier. pic.twitter.com/OEYPl3rSy8

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) September 4, 2025

It is the first time in their history that the Dutch have had eight players who feature in the same foreign league starting a game.

Yet, some of the Premier League’s big stars could not get over the line, and it was another player who features week-in, week-out in England that stole the show.

Poland had just six attempts, with Cash responsible for half of them. He also had four touches in the opposition box, a joint-high for the visitors, while his shot came from a chance worth only 0.04 expected goals (xG).