Willem II managed to win the first semi-final of the play-offs. At Almere City, the first part of the diptych towards promotion was won 0-1 by the Tilburg team on Wednesday. Samuel Bamba was the only goal scorer, although Willem II also received a penalty.
The Tilburg team started with two changes compared to Saturday’s match against RKC. John Stegeman chose to replace his top scorer Devin Haen and Siegert Baartmans for Uriel van Aalst and Samuel Bamba. Haen was forced to leave the field against RKC and was not yet fully fit.
Willem II started the match with very neat football. There were no really big chances on either side. Shots from Bamba and Mounir El Allouchi did not score a goal in the first half hour.
Willem II in the lead
After the first thirty minutes, a beautiful attack, in which several players got the ball and played quickly, ended up in Bamba’s box via Finn Stam. The Tricolores attacker cut down his opponent and scored through the inside of the post. The sold-out away section in Almere could be heard throughout the match, but even more after the 0-1.
For Bamba, who normally has to make do with substitute appearances, this was his first goal since October, when he scored in the cup against FC Dordrecht.
After the goal it was Almere that became increasingly stronger. At the beginning of the second half, the home team had a mega opportunity, but Jamie Jacobs shot past the ball.
Half an hour before the end, Baardmans came into Willem II’s team. Shortly after coming on as a substitute, he received a low cross from Nick Doodeman, but tapped the ball just wide of the goal.
Penalty
In minute 70, referee Allard Lindhout put the ball on the spot, after Willem II captain Justin Hoogma was held in the box during a free kick. El Allouchi stood behind the ball. On Saturday he was still the scorer after a tough period, but this time he failed from eleven meters. His penalty was tapped from the bottom right corner by Tristan Kuijsten.
Stegeman then decided to try and get the victory with his team. And he succeeded, without creating or giving away another opportunity. They won 0-1 and top scorer Devin Haen remained on the bench for the entire match.
Saturday evening will follow return in the King Willem II Stadium. If the Tricolores ultimately manage to emerge victorious, there will be a meeting with Telstar or FC Volendam in the final of the play-offs.
