With the Netherlands – Argentina on the program, the World Cup is a topic of discussion, and therefore also at PSV. There they watch their teammate Cody Gakpo with even more interest than the rest of the Netherlands. Veerman and Obispo look proudly at the Eindhoven resident and hope to experience the same one day.
“It depends on whether Messi feels like it,” says Joey Veerman when asked who will win on Friday evening. “But I hope Cody Gakpo is going to pop. So far he shoots everything. He doesn’t care about left or right.”
Armando Obispo has known the Eindhoven attacker for about seven years. Together with Jordan Teze, he has a group app with the star player of Orange. “We text each other every match. We wish him luck and ask how he is doing.”
“You know from each other what you had to leave for it.”
Looking at his teammate’s performance, one word comes to mind. “Pride! You know from each other what you had to leave for it. Then I think it is very nice that he is being rewarded.” Does it surprise the defender? “No, honestly not. He brought his form from PSV.”
Joey Veerman himself had long hoped for a place in the World Cup selection. Earlier this year he was still in the preselection. “I am also very sorry that I am not there,” the midfielder is honest. “The European Championship 2024 is now in my head. I would very much like to be there. But you never know how certain choices will turn out and what Ronald Koeman (than the national coach, ed.) expected of me. Maybe I should score more goals and give assists.”
For Obispo, the Orange was a bit further away. “I didn’t think about it because I wasn’t in the pre-selection either. But it is something to work towards.”
“If the Netherlands wins on Friday, he will be told on Saturday!”
Back to Friday night’s game. How do both gentlemen estimate the chances of the Netherlands? Veerman: “I don’t think Argentina are playing well so far. So far, only France and Brazil have impressed. I wholeheartedly wish the Netherlands, let me stick to that.” Obispo adds: “I also hope for the Netherlands. You have to neutralize Messi, the greatest player of all time.”
Finally, Walter Benítez is discussed, who is under the bar for PSV. How are the chats in the dressing room with the Argentinian goalkeeper? “I’ve already talked to him about it,” says Obispo. “If the Netherlands wins on Friday, he will be told on Saturday!”
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