At the end of the afternoon, fans of ‘de Blauwen’ have their photo taken on the central square in Spakenburg with the KNVB Cup, which main sponsor TOTO has placed there under the supervision of a DJ. A little further on, the last fish of the day are eaten. The fish stand has stayed open extra long for the occasion, “while supplies last”.
The six thousand lucky people who managed to get a ticket for the semi-final match against PSV then descend the dike towards Sportpark de Westmaat. ‘Our glory, our blues’ is written on the fence of the amateur association, as a result of which the expectant audience slowly shuffles in. “I didn’t know our village had so many inhabitants,” they joke.
Once through the gate it remains busy. The Spakenburg supporters are looking for a place in the stands, two of which have been specially decorated for the match. The best spots are soon taken over. It’s five rows behind the goal and youthful fans climb onto Dixie toilets and equipment containers to get a view of the pitch.
Something special is about to happen, that much is clear. While supporters in the sports hall exchange their consumption vouchers for beer, they hear Spakenburg trainer Chris de Graaf say in front of the ESPN camera that “anything is possible for those who believe” and that his team wants a “South American game” of it to make.
Blazing start
In any case, the game starts with a bang, and with a five-minute delay, because after a fireworks show on and off the field, it’s picking up garbage. Stewards, ball boys and players help to make the artificial turf field playable. During the first half, Spakenburg can dream of the next stunt for a long time. This cup campaign already eliminated premier league clubs FC Groningen and FC Utrecht. PSV does not manage to use the scarce opportunities until a defensive inattention just before the break.
André Ramalho is released after a corner kick from PSV, allowing him to extend the ball with his head on Érick Gutiérrez who works in from close range. Shortly after the break, PSV made the difference when Patrick van Aanholt shot the ball into the far corner after a clever assist from Xavi Simons. After Dwayne Green’s connection goal – a beautiful shot from a distance after a deflected corner kick – the team of trainer Ruud van Nistelrooij controls the match. The forces flow away at Spakenburg and several players go to the artificial turf with cramps.
The hope of a place in the final is disappearing among the audience, also with Jamie Koelewijn. He has come to De Westmaat to honor his brother Rowdy, a diehard Spakenburg fan. Rowdy died suddenly in his sleep last week at the age of 24. Jamie has come to the game on his brother’s ticket and is constantly looking at the banner that the supporters association has hung in the stands. “He would have loved this so much,” he muses. They experienced the quarterfinals against FC Utrecht together and Jamie had never seen his brother so happy. They are beautiful, proud memories for eternity.
Lap of Honor
While the Spakenburg players go over their lap of honor under a standing ovation, Spakenburg player Masies Artien donates his match shirt to his father. He gives him a kiss on the head. The Iraqi who came over from Rijnsburgse Boys last summer gets loud applause. After initial skepticism, he has won over the critical Spakenburg fans. Other players get hugs from their families and loved ones and have their picture taken with fans.
While the hardstyle sounds in the air, youth players from Spakenburg kick a ball under the light poles on the main field where the highly paid professionals of PSV have just secured the final spot. “The Blues have fought valiantly”, the speaker from the canteen summarizes the general feeling. “Advertising for football, and advertising for Spakenburg in particular.”