Wout Weghorst only played 20 minutes before the quarter-finals of the Netherlands national team against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The former Bundesliga attacker was also the “joker” against the South Americans, only to save the “Elftal” after being substituted on with a brace in extra time.
First a powerful header to make it 1-2, then a falling shot after a great free-kick trick to make it 2-2 late: It was two typical Weghorst goals that gave the long harmless “Oranje” team Friday evening ( 12/9/22) brought back into play.
The tall attacker almost scored these and similar goals on the assembly line during his time at VfL Wolfsburg (from 2018 to the beginning of this year). The 30-year-old scored 71 goals in 144 competitive games before fulfilling his Premier League dream by joining Burnley FC.
In Qatar only in a supporting role
Despite his marksmanship, Weghorst mostly played a supporting role in the national team. The striker only made his debut in the “Elftal” in 2018. There were only 14 more appearances before the desert World Cup. The footballer, who comes from the small town of Borne, had not managed to score a brace in the “Oranje” jersey before the quarter-final duel with Argentina.
Now the “eternal joker” scored two goals that almost became two goals for eternity. Hits that should also be balm for his battered soul.
Moments of happiness in the “Oranje” jersey are few and far between
Again and again Weghorst had been preferred to other strikers. The 30-year-old had repeatedly complained about a lack of appreciation during his time in Wolfsburg. The moments of happiness in the national team were few and far between for him.
At the 2021 European Championship, he was one of the celebrated scorers in the 3-2 opening win against Ukraine – and then failed with his team in the round of 16. Then his regular place with the Dutch national team was back on the bench.
Tears after Burnley relegation, goals for Besiktas
And his move to the island was not crowned with success either. At Burnley, the attacker only played a supporting role. He only scored two goals in 20 appearances. Not enough to keep the club from relegating. Weghorst shed bitter tears after failing to stay up. The England adventure has ended in the meantime.
The former Wolfsburg player moved to Turkey on loan to Besiktas Istanbul. Weghorst flourished again on the Bosporus. Six goals and four assists in 13 Süper Lig games secured him the World Cup ticket.
At the desert tournament, Weghorst had to wait again. Eleven minutes against Ecuador (1-1), eight against Qatar (2-0) and 60 seconds against the USA (3-1) were his tally before he came on as a substitute against Argentina in the 78th minute. A brace and a converted penalty in the shoot-out followed.
The fact that the Netherlands were eliminated for their home country despite their biggest game to date somehow fits into the tragic story of Wout Weghorst in the national team shirt.