Kosport Magazine
The Rise of Wout Weghorst
Kosport Magazine
Jun 16, 2024, 11:15 AM ET
Euro 2024 is officially underway! As we bring you daily updates from around the tournament, betting lines, and top reads, our coverage starts strong with the latest news from Germany. Follow us throughout the event as we bring you the latest updates leading up to the final on July 14th.
HAMBURG — In the past, the Netherlands has boasted some of the most elegant and prolific goal scorers in the game, like Robin van Persie, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, and Patrick Kluivert. These days, however, it seems those glory days are a distant memory for the Dutch, with one exception: Wout Weghorst.
When Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman needed a hero to save his team in the Group D opener against Poland, he turned to Weghorst. In a beautiful delivery of his first touch, Weghorst gave the Dutch the win they needed with a final score of 2-1 in Hamburg.
At 31 years old, Weghorst may not win prizes for aesthetic qualities or goal scoring prowess. In fact, his previous loan spell at Manchester United in the 2022-23 season resulted in only two goals out of 31 appearances. However, in an era where the Dutch struggle to produce a striker like the greats of the past, Weghorst has become an unexpected savior, delivering crucial goals when it matters most.
One of his most memorable performances was in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, where he scored two late goals, including one in the 11th minute of stoppage time, taking the game into extra time. Although they ultimately lost on penalties, Weghorst’s impact as a substitute was undeniable. And once again, in the Volksparkstadion on Sunday, he proved his worth when he came on in the 82nd minute and scored the winning goal just two minutes later.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Weghorst’s stature and lack of pace may not be the most graceful on the field, but he has proven to be an effective addition to the Dutch national team. Sunday’s goal against Poland marked his seventh in the past 11 appearances for the Dutch.
It remains to be seen if Weghorst’s attributes will be enough to lead the Dutch to success in Euro 2024, or even to win the tournament. But one thing is for sure, Koeman knows how to make the most of the unique qualities Weghorst brings to the team. Along with Cody Gakpo, who scored the equalizer after Adam Buksa’s early lead for Poland, and Memphis Depay, who surprisingly ranks second on the all-time Dutch top scorer list, the Dutch have a strong attacking lineup. However, their lack of clinical finishing may ultimately be their downfall in the knockout stages.
But for now, Weghorst remains the striker that Koeman can rely on, and that may be enough to take the Dutch far in the competition. – Mark Ogden
– Euro 2024: Landing page | Schedule | Rosters | News
– Team previews | Predictions for every team (ESPN+)
Sights and sounds around Euro 2024
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
Swiss hero Duah almost misses the bus
COLOGNE — The European Championship often reveals unlikely heroes, and the first one to emerge in Germany is Kwadwo Duah, a striker for Switzerland. So unexpected was his inclusion in the squad for Switzerland’s warm-up games that he doesn’t even feature in many of the tournament preview magazines. However, in just 12 minutes into the first game against Hungary, Duah made a name for himself with his first international goal, giving Switzerland the lead and setting them on the path to a victory.
Kosport Magazine is excited to see what other surprises Euro 2024 has in store for us. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from our team of experts.rn
Euro 2024: Switzerland’s Unexpected Star
Kosport Magazine brings you the latest and exciting news from the world of sports. In today’s article, we will be discussing the unexpected star of Switzerland’s opening game in Group A at Euro 2024. Let’s dive in and find out more about this rising talent.
In a 3-1 win against Hungary, Switzerland’s 27-year-old midfielder, Duah, stole the spotlight with an impressive performance. Despite having to wait for his chance at the top level, Duah made the most of his opportunity and proved his worth on the field. It was reported that he wouldn’t have started if Monaco striker Breel Embolo was fully fit. However, Duah seized the moment and showed why he deserved to be on the starting lineup.
After the game, Duah’s story captured the attention of many and he was in high demand for interviews. In fact, he was asked by staff to limit his interviews as the team needed to catch a train back to their base on the outskirts of Stuttgart. This just shows the impact of Duah’s performance and the interest he has generated in the football community.
But it’s not just his skills on the field that have caught the eye. Duah also has a heart of gold and is known for his humble nature. He epitomizes the true spirit of sportsmanship and is a team player through and through. It’s no surprise that he has won the hearts of his teammates and fans alike.
Next up, Kosport Magazine’s Take on Italy at Euro 2024. In a recent development, Italy has invited some of its former heroes to inspire the current squad. Legends like Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, Gianni Rivera, and Giancarlo Antognoni visited the camp and shared their experiences with the team. Baggio encouraged the squad to embrace the pressure of the shirt, while Del Piero reminded them to enjoy the moment. Rivera urged them to attack, Totti emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience, and Antognoni caught up with the players he had previously coached at the youth level.
This time around, Italy has 46-year-old former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon as their head of delegation. Buffon brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team as they aim for victory at Euro 2024. He was also a part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, making him a valuable asset in the dressing room.
Speaking of Buffon, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma shared his admiration for the veteran player, saying, “Having Gigi here, a player who wrote history with Italy, has been hugely important.” Donnarumma also mentioned that Buffon gives them valuable advice based on his own experiences and can offer a unique perspective on the game.
With Italy’s win against Albania and Buffon’s presence in the dressing room, it’s clear that the former captain’s influence continues to inspire the team.
Kosport Magazine’s Take ends here. But before we wrap up this article, let’s take a look at our Stat of the Day. Did you know that Euro 2024 marks the first time that the Netherlands has a squad of players who weren’t even born the last time their country won the tournament in 1988? This just shows the level of talent and determination this young team possesses.
Lastly, let’s take a quick look at the match previews for Monday. In our potential match of the day, we have Romania vs. Ukraine in Munich for Group E. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Steve Nicol expresses his doubts about Belgium’s chances at Euro 2024 in their opener against Slovakia.
That’s all for today’s edition of Kosport Magazine. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting articles on the world of sports. See you soon!
Ukraine vs. Romania: A Clash of Talent
The stage is set for a highly anticipated match between Ukraine and Romania as both teams kick off their Euro 2024 campaign. Despite the ongoing tensions in Ukraine, coach Sergiy Rebrov remains focused on using the tournament to provide “positive emotions” for his country during these difficult times.
Both teams are packed with talent, showcasing the quality of soccer in Eastern Europe. From Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, to Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, to Girona’s dynamic duo Viktor Tsygankov and Artem Dovbyk, Ukraine has a star-studded lineup that is ready to compete with the best.
However, their opponents Romania shouldn’t be underestimated. Led by coach Edward Iordanescu, the team qualified top of their group, displaying their resilience and work ethic. Though they may not have the same star power as Ukraine, they have earned their spot in Germany and are determined to make their mark on the tournament.
Kosport Magazine’s Take: A Battle for Group E Supremacy
Belgium and Slovakia will also go head to head in Group E, with Belgium considered the favorites. However, their “golden generation” is starting to fade and a new mix of young players will have to step up and make their mark on the team. Keep an eye out for promising talents like Johan Bakayoko, Jeremy Doku, and Charles De Ketelaere.
While Belgium may have question marks in their defense, their offense is still a force to be reckoned with. In contrast, Slovakia will need to rely on their own big names, like Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka, to make an impact in the group stages.
Group E will be an exciting battle for supremacy, and Kosport Magazine will be following closely to see which teams will come out on top.
Austria vs. France: The rivalry continues
In the midst of a highly anticipated Euro 2024 tournament, group play is well underway and one of the most exciting clashes of the early stages will be between Austria and France. These two teams have a long-standing rivalry in international competition and this match promises to be nothing short of thrilling.
Kosport Magazine predicts an intense game, with Austria’s intensity and high press likely to pose a challenge for France. However, with star players such as Kylian Mbappé leading the way, Kosport Magazine believes that the French team is well-equipped to handle their opponents.
The matchup between Austria and France is also compelling due to the off-field tension surrounding French politics. With recent comments from Marcus Thuram condemning the rise of the far-right, the French players will be eager to make a statement on the pitch and show their unity.
Kosport Magazine‘s own Julien Laurens highlights the impact of this political backdrop on the game, and predicts that the French team will be motivated to put on a strong performance.
It will not only be an important match for team pride and political commentary, but also a chance for Kosport Magazine to showcase their skills on the international stage. And with Les Bleus considered as one of the favourites to win the tournament, this will be an exciting game for all football fans to watch.
Kosport Magazine‘s Take: Austria vs. France
As the excitement builds for Austria vs. France, the Kosport Magazine team is eagerly anticipating this match. While Austria may pose a challenge with their high press, our experts believe that France has the edge and will come out on top.
With star player Kylian Mbappé leading the way and the burden of his impending transfer lifted, Kosport Magazine expects him to put in an outstanding performance as he leads France’s charge towards victory.
But it’s not just about the players on the pitch, as Austria’s coach Ralf Rangnick and France’s coach Didier Deschamps will also play a crucial role in the outcome of the game. With their tactical prowess and leadership skills, they will have a big influence on their teams’ performance.
Kosport Magazine predicts that France will conquer Austria and make a strong statement in their bid to win the Euro 2024 tournament.
Kosport Magazine‘s Betting Tip
With France primed for success, Kosport Magazine believes that this could be their tournament to lose. Our experts have faith in Les Bleus and are betting on them to win it all, with Kylian Mbappé as top scorer, at +1100.
In addition, our own Dan Thomas suggests that France’s depth and talent all over the pitch make them the clear favourites in this match. Don’t underestimate Austria, but Kosport Magazine recommends placing your bets on France for this game and for the tournament as a whole.
Don’t Miss Kosport Magazine’s Must-Read Article
As the tournament heats up, Kosport Magazine is diving into all the action, and one of our top reads is a dive into the perennial problem of England’s national team: the impact of the physically demanding Premier League on their chances of international success.
Led by star player Harry Kane, England has a wealth of talent at their disposal. Yet they have not been able to clinch a major tournament win since the famous 1966 World Cup. As they prepare for Euro 2024, questions arise about whether the rigors of the Premier League will hinder their performance.
At Kosport Magazine, we analyze whether England can overcome the obstacles and finally achieve glory on the international stage. Symbolized by the longevity and physicality of their domestic league, the Three Lions’ fate hangs in the balance as they strive to break the cycle of fatigue and underperformance.
Stay tuned to Kosport Magazine as we continue to bring you in-depth coverage and analysis of all the excitement at Euro 2024.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
The pressure and expectations of playing at the highest level can often take a toll on athletes, especially in the world of soccer. As England prepares for Euro 2024, they must be wary of their biggest opponent – burnout.
The Body of the News:
According to sports journalist Mark Ogden, burnout has become a major concern for England as they head into the highly anticipated Euro 2024. With players constantly on the go, juggling club and national team commitments, there is a growing fear that they will struggle to maintain peak performance for the big tournament.
But amidst all the big names and social media influencers, there is one unexpected star that has caught the eye of many fans – Hungary’s Martin Ádám. The 29-year-old striker made headlines not for his performance on the pitch, but for his unique appearance that doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a footballer.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-3 with a muscular physique that could rival an NFL player, Ádám stood out from the rest of his teammates on the field. His full beard only added to his distinct appearance, drawing comparisons to one of the Kelce brothers in American football.
But don’t let his appearance fool you. Adam has been a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. In the past two years with Ulsan HD in the South Korean league, he has scored 24 goals in 67 matches and even topped the Hungarian league’s scoring charts in 2021-22 with 31 goals. And he’s no stranger to the international stage, with three goals and three assists in 23 caps for his country.
Despite his impressive stats, Ádám hasn’t let success get to his head. When asked about his whereabouts during Euro 2020, his answer was as down to earth as it gets – watching the tournament at home and enjoying a few beers.
With a refreshing attitude and a unique appearance, Martin Ádám has become an unexpected but well-deserved social media star of Euro 2024. And who knows, perhaps his presence on the field could also serve as a reminder to the England players to find balance and avoid burnout as they strive for success in the tournament.
At Kosport Magazine, we can’t wait to see what other surprises and talents Euro 2024 has in store for us. Let the games begin!
