Emmen along GVAV thanks to ‘Fikkies’

Before the winter break – and actually in a few games after that – VV Emmen’s fate seemed sealed: after relegation from the main division in 2022, another relegation to the second division in 2023 on top. But after the cup defeat on penalties against VKW, the red and white set up a great series with four victories in the last six games. Finally, you could almost say. Because they can play football, that young team of departing trainer Kevin Waalderbos.

Play football freely

The same goes for Sunday afternoon’s opponent. GVAV-Rapiditas just got promoted from the second division and just like Emmen, the Stadjers have to rely on their footballing ability. It gave the team of also departing trainer Bas Veldman a lot more points. They are safe with a good fourth place in the ranking. So they could play football freely.

They did that on Sunday afternoon at the start of the game. As good and as bad as it went on the bumpy field in Emmen, they were the better combining team and also had most of the ball possession. Over time, Veldman’s team did sink. And more importantly: contrary to what the shirt sponsor (Effektief) suggested, they were not able to create any real chances from the field dominance. Emmen got two. Already in the third minute, Djairo Fik shot from close range at goalkeeper Carsten Meijwaard after good preparatory work by his even younger (18) brother Devando.

That younger brother still gave Emmen a lead at a wonderful moment, just before the break. Fumbling and miscommunication in the GVAV defense and he was already there to shoot the 1-0 lead against the ropes.

‘pistons’

After the break, the game image remained the same. GVAV still had more of the ball but did not do enough with it. They became especially dangerous from free kicks, throwing balls high and corners. Moreover, there were still the life-threatening ‘Fikkies’ in front of Emmen, as Waalderbos calls them coaching along the line. They are sometimes a bit ‘pistons’ in the field, but they go for every ball, run on everything. Players that you want as a trainer, especially if your team is in dire straits.

Right after GVAV’s first really well-played attack (Ingmar Liezenga shot high over) it turned out once again. In a perfect counter, Djairo was not selfish and lost to Bas Aalderink, who was able to run the ball into an empty goal. Just when the pressure in Emmen was almost too much, they struck. At GVAV, the heads drooped a bit after the 2-0 and Emmen was able to add three more points.

,,I told the boys that it doesn’t always have to be good football”, said Emmen coach Kevin Waalderbos after he addressed his team in the dressing room immediately after the final whistle. ,,The boys have handled that well, learning to be a team. We sometimes also show that nice football, but it can also be different against good teams like GVAV. It’s great that this young group, there are seven of them coming from the JO-19, is now taking it up. It goes by trial and error, but this kind of competition proves that it is possible.”

Emmen is now above the line for the first time, but Waalderbos does not count itself rich yet. “It won’t be decided until the last day of play.”