1/2 The Dutch team at the Walking Football World Cup with Peter Stolk in the middle and next to it (right) Jaap Rossen. Cees Damen stands next to the man with the cap (photo: KNVB).
The Dutch team won silver at the Walking Football World Cup in Spain on Friday. A standout player for the Dutch team was 74-year-old goalkeeper Peter Stolk. Although the Eindhoven resident himself thought his hero role wasn’t too bad. “Oh well, I regularly fell over and they would hit the ball against me.”
The twelve-member selection included three Brabanders: Cees Damen (72) from Steenbergen, Jaap Rossen (78) and Peter Stolk (74) from Eindhoven. They registered after a call from the KNVB and were ultimately chosen for the World Cup in Spain after a selection day.
Led by national coach Hans van Breukelen, the Netherlands lost 8-0 to England in the group stage. Then they drew 0-0 against Japan and the third group match ended in a regulation 3-0 victory because opponent Italy arrived too late.
Canada was defeated 3-1 in the quarter-finals and Australia was beaten in the semi-finals. In the final, fearful England proved far too strong: 7-1.
“Thankfully, the pain was limited due to the adrenaline.”
“But with silver we are completely euphoric,” says Rossen. “England were phenomenally good. For example, they had an attacker who was unstoppable. Our goalkeeper parried a lot, he played a very strong tournament anyway.”
Goalkeeper Stolk, named the best goalkeeper of the tournament, enjoyed the compliments. “I have received so much appreciation, including from referees and opponents, for example. And while I still had my doubts before the tournament due to physical discomfort such as my hip. Bursitis is not really ideal for a goalkeeper. Fortunately, the pain has been limited.”
“They ran so many attacks that I was able to stand out.”
The Eindhoven goalkeeper also thanked his teammates. “They ran so many attacks that I was able to stand out,” he says, laughing. “It went well, but sometimes you have to be a bit lucky that they hit a ball against you.”
After the final, the selection went to the hotel to take a dip in the pool. “With a nice beer,” say Jaap and Peter. “The tournament was already fun, but with a place in the final it has become even more fun.”
