Willem II has not yet succeeded in securing promotion to the Premier League on Friday evening. A win against FC Groningen was necessary for this, but in a tough match against FC Groningen, the Tilburg team had to settle for a point: 1-1.
A stroke of luck: Roda JC also got stuck in a draw with Jong Ajax, so that the Tricolores’ promotion chances have increased. Because FC Groningen and Roda JC still play against each other on the final day of the competition, Willem II still needs (maximum) a point in its last two matches to secure promotion.
With the same eleven players who started the away match at MVV (1-1) last week, Willem II started the cracker against FC Groningen. So with Freek Heerkens as replacement for the injured right back Tommy St. Jago.
A win would give Willem II a ticket for the Premier League. But it soon became clear that FC Groningen was going to rule the roost in Tilburg. The visitors put a lot of pressure, did not let Willem II build up quietly and came dangerously close to the opening goal a few times with good football. But the Tilburg team held up wonderfully until the break.
And then, after just an hour of playing. A sparing attack from Willem II and with a measured pass, Ringo Meerveld managed to reach the sprinting Nick Doodeman. He has the ball under control at a point from which scoring does not seem possible, but he drives the ball in hard and high diagonally: 1-0.
It was almost too good to be true. And that turned out to be the case a little later, as FC Groningen quickly leveled the score. Jurg Schreuders saw his effort plop into the net behind goalkeeper Smits via the leg of a Willem II player: 1-1.
FC Groningen, which absolutely should not lose in Tilburg, then tried to push through and force the 1-2. Willem II coach Peter Maes made a countermove with fifteen minutes to play: he brought on super sub Jeremy Bokila for Thijs Oosting.
In the 81st minute, referee Dieperink failed to send Leandro Bacuna off with a red card after an outrageous foul on Ringo Meerveld’s ankles.
It was a tight end in the final phase, with Valentino Vermeulen replacing goalscorer Nick Doodeman for the home team.
But no more goals were scored, so that Willem II remains four points ahead of FC Groningen with two rounds to go. The people from Tilburg have to visit FC Dordrecht next week and will be visited by Telstar on the final day of the competition.
Roda JC was stuck at a 1-1 draw with Jong Ajax, which increased Willem II’s chances of promotion somewhat. A point from the last two matches is sufficient for promotion. If Willem II loses twice more, the team can only win the Premier League on goal difference.
William II: Smith; Heerkens, Schouten, Behounek, Nizet; Doodeman (88. Vermeulen), Verreth, Meerveld, Bosch; Oosting (77. Bokila), Hilterman.
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21:59
Yesterday
Roda is also right
Roda JC also drew tonight, so nothing changes between the three top teams.
90’+4′
End of second half
88′
Nick Doodeman is replaced by Valentino Vermeulen
86′
No danger
The ball went over everyone.
85′
Injury Nizet
Willem II’s left back Rob Nizet goes to the ground groaning in pain. Can he continue?
83′
Yellow card for Rui Mendes
81′
Yellow card for Leandro Bacuna
81′
Dark yellow
Leandro Bacuna made a nasty foul, but got away with a yellow card.
79′
Cramp
Freek Heekens has cramps. Can he continue?
77′
Thijs Oosting is replaced by Jeremy Bokila
64′
A quick counter hit is difficult in the city center
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64′
Downer
The quick 1-1 is a downer for Willem II. How is the competition developing now?
62′
1-1 GOAL by Jorg Schreuders!
59′
Yellow card for Jesse Bosch
57′
The goal is also widely celebrated in the city center
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60′
The ball
Jesse Bosch played the ball with a tackle, but is booked. Unjustly.
56′
1-0 GOAL by Nick Doodeman!
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