The Dutch Juniors have not been able to find a hole in the wall of Young Bulgaria. The team of national coach Erwin van de Looi played a goalless draw in the European Championship qualifier in Sofia and came out unscathed just before the end: 0-0.
The Dutch Juniors had a hard time on the stiff field in the Slavia stadium in Sofia. The promises often sought the attack, but the goalkeeper of the home team was not put to the test. The ball tempo was too low and due to frequent loss of the ball, the Orange did not get any further than shots from the second line.
The big opportunities only came after the break and then in favor of Young Bulgaria. Former Ajax goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen was just able to save on a flaming shot by Valentin Ankov. On the other hand, Daishawn Redan had another great chance from the rebound of a shot by Ajax player Kenneth Taylor.
With Brian Brobbey as a substitute, the Dutch Juniors hoped to bring in some extra punch. After a good run he almost immediately shot into the side net and just before time Brobbey had a good chance, but he forgot to print. In the absolute final phase, the Dutch Juniors escaped, because the Bulgarians had three excellent opportunities. Scherpen stood his ground and kept his goal shot: 0-0.
European Championship Qualification
Due to the draw, the Dutch Juniors come to fourteen points. Leader Young Switzerland leads the way with nineteen points and one game less played. Next Tuesday, the Dutch Juniors will play against the Swiss in Deventer. The group winners and the best numbers two go to the European Championship.
Line-up of the Dutch Juniors: sharpen; Van Ewijk, Van den Berg, Kasanwirjo, Bakker; Reis (Taylor/35), Timber (Summerville/84), Ekkelenkamp, Gravenberch; Redan (Brobbey/73), Zirkzee