Trainer Marinus Dijkhuizen couldn’t believe his luck after Excelsior’s promotion to the Eredivisie. “I don’t know what happened,” he told ESPN on camera. “You’re not going to ask for an analysis, are you?”
ADO still led 3-0 after 78 minutes in the second game of the final for promotion to the Eredivisie. That seemed like a comfortable margin after Tuesday’s 1-1 in the first game. But Excelsior still fought its way to extension (3-3). ADO then took the lead again, but after the equalizer of Excelsior (4-4) the visitors from Rotterdam took the penalty kicks better.
“I think we deserved it,” Dijkhuizen exulted after eighteen penalties. “I think we are a worthy club. This is really great. I think it’s easier to stay in the Eredivisie next season than to be promoted from the Kitchen Champion Division. That’s why I’m so very happy for this club and this team For all those young guys who have made great progress this season.”