RKC Waalwijk is currently number 8 in the Eredivisie. The team owes that ranking to a difficult 2-1 victory that they booked on Saturday evening against the visiting FC Groningen. Both goals for the home club, which has played better this season, were scored by captain Michiel Kramer.
RKC could have distanced itself from the Groningen relegation candidate in the first half. Florian Jozefzoon, among others, missed an opportunity that should not be missed. In front of an open goal, the attacker failed to shoot the ball over the line after a measured cross from Mats Seuntjens.
It was not the only opportunity left by the home team. Substitute Julen Lobete hit the aluminum after the break and hit the ball at Groningen keeper Michael Verrips.
Penalties or not
FC Groningen offered very little in return, although the northerners were also close to a hit before the break. After less than an hour they seemed to get the chance to open the scoring. Referee Sander van der Eijk pointed to the spot, because RKC keeper Etienne Vaessen allegedly committed a foul on Daleho Irandust. After advice from the VAR, Van der Eijk revoked his decision.
About 10 minutes later, the RKC audience was finally allowed to cheer: Pelle Clement led the ball and Kramer headed in nicely. FC Groningen seemed completely demoralized, but soon after the 1-0 it was already equal. Now after a nice header from the top scorer on the Groningen side, Ricardo Pepi. Vaessen did not make a strong impression here.
After the two hits that followed each other in quick succession, the long mediocre duel became a lot more attractive. RKC claimed a penalty twice in vain, but in the 86th minute it was served at its beck and call. Verrips assaulted Lobete. Van der Eijk did not have to go to the TV screen, because the violation was very flashy. Kramer knew what to do with the penalty kick: 2-1. It was the tenth league goal for the striker and very typical: they were all made in the Mandemakers Stadium.
With the win, RKC continues to have the prospect of participating in the playoffs, which can result in European football.