Willem II did good business in the play-offs on Tuesday evening by beating RKC Waalwijk 0-1. The return will be in Tilburg next Saturday, where it will be decided who will go to the third round.
RKC Waalwijk had already completed a round in the play-offs, in which it settled with Roda JC after penalties. Whether it was the fatigue or the tension, what the Waalwijkers showed in the first half against Willem II was very dull. The game of Willem II too, which made for a mesmerizing spectacle.
The only highlight was the impressive action by both supporter groups for Willem II midfielder Mounir El Allouchi, who lost a daughter last week.
There was soon more action in the Mandemakers Stadium in the second half. Willem II striker Devin Haen, who turned out to be fit just in time for the derby, was released in front of Yanick van Osch’s goal, but the keeper threw himself in front of the ball. Striker Armin Culum also had a nice shooting opportunity, although his effort was easy for Van Osch.
Red card
After an hour of play, the home team had to continue with ten men. Striker Jesper Uneken went in far too hard and had to be given a second yellow card. Shortly afterwards, the people of Tilburg struck. From a corner it was Godfried Roemeratoe with an own goal: 0-1.
In the final phase, RKC Waalwijk coach Sander brought on German striker Michiel Kramer in the hope of forcing the equalizer. That did not work, because Willem II, with El Allouchi as a substitute, easily stayed upright. The Tilburgers have good credentials to reach the third round at the return on Saturday.
