Willem II advances to the semi-finals of the play-offs at the expense of RKC for promotion to the Eredivisie. The score was 1-1 in Tilburg on Saturday afternoon, but because Willem II previously won 0-1 in Waalwijk, it was the Tricolores who continued. The big man among the Tilburg people was Mounir El Allouchi. Last week he lost his daughter, which also caused a lot of emotions in the stadium after a goal.
The first match in the diptych of this regional derby was won 0-1 by the Tilburgers. The stakes were high: a place in the semi-finals of the promotion play-offs.
Willem II had the chance to take the lead within thirty seconds. Siegert Baartmans came face to face with RKC keeper Yannick van Osch, but saw the keeper make the save.
While it was mainly Willem II in the first ten minutes, RKC then got a great chance. Only Denilho Cleonise shot wide from about ten meters. There was little to see from the spectacular start in the rest of the first half. The ball was passed around calmly and the game was mainly very sloppy.
Emotional goal
The Tilburg team got off to just as flashy a start in the second half as in the first. Within a minute there was another great opportunity. Finn Stam came through on the right and passed the ball to Mounir El Allouchi.
The 31-year-old midfielder released the sad news last week that he has lost his daughter. Now he made it 1-0 by pushing the ball against the ropes. The emotion was clearly visible after his goal, not only with him, but also in the stands.
After the goal, RKC was able to quickly level the score. Richard van der Venne was able to shoot freely from the edge of the box, but lacked conviction and shot straight into the hands of the keeper. The Ossenaar had an identical opportunity, but again could not get the ball past Thomas Didillon-Hödl.
Equalizer
RKC became stronger after Willem II’s goal. In minute 59, Jean-Paul Boëtius was passed the ball just outside the box. He tried it from distance and shot the equalizer beautifully into the top left corner. As a result, RKC only needed one more goal to extend the match.
The Waalwijkers tried this by bringing in Roshon van Eijma, originally a central defender, as a battering ram ten minutes before the end. He came to play next to Michiel Kramer. The striking striker had to play the entire match because Jesper Uneken was suspended.
Through to the play-offs
Harrie Kusters had an unmissable opportunity in the very last second to extend the match, but could not get the ball into the goal. As a result, Willem II advances in the play-offs at the expense of RKC.
Almere City of De Graafschap will be Willem II’s opponent in the semi-finals. We will know which of the two it will be on Saturday evening. The Tilburg team will play away on Wednesday, followed by the return in Tilburg on Saturday evening.
