Top 3 European photos by AZ’s club photographer Ed van de Pol: “A lump in the throat”

“It’s going to happen here,” Ed van de Pol opens the conversation at the Waagplein. Born and raised in Alkmaar, he is referring to a possible celebration when AZ wins the Conference League. “I am confident, despite the fact that we lost to West Ham United in London last week. With Dani de Wit and Jesper Karlsson back, it will be fine tonight.”

“Lump in the throat”

So far, the Alkmaarders have played seventeen games in Europe. The first moment that Van de Pol thinks back to is the farewell Fredrik Midtsjo during Tuzla City – AZ on July 28, 2022. “It gives me a lump in my throat.”

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“Pleasure”

From the Norwegian midfielder we move on to moment two of Van de Pol. That was also in the preliminary rounds of the Conference League. Dundee United initially seemed a tough opponent. AZ lost 1-0 in Scotland, but all brakes went wild at home. Thanks in part to a very energetic and effective Dani de Wit. “That man screams with pleasure.”

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“Discharge”

Van de Pol’s last moment is of course about the penalty shootout against Anderlecht. “If there’s one thing I hate, it’s penalties.” Fortunately, it turned out well for him and the rest of AZ. There was an important role for Mathew Ryan. The Australian goalie stopped two penalties, but the big man was Mexx Meerdink. The young striker scored the decisive penalty. “Such a discharge, not normal.”

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Van de Pol was already part of the previous semi-final in 2005. “That was really terrible”, is the first feeling that comes to mind when the photographer thinks about the evening that AZ narrowly missed the final of the UEFA Cup. “All those crying players, but as a photographer I just had to keep going. Of course I was very disappointed inside.” Tonight AZ gets another chance to reach the final of a European tournament. “I have every confidence in it.”