NOS Football•
“When I heard that I was allowed in, I got a very nice feeling. It was impressive,” said Niels Hartman. He was born in Schoonhoven, South Holland, about thirty kilometers from De Kuip. It was precisely in that stadium that he made his debut for Gibraltar tonight.
In the 86th minute, the midfielder came into the team, trailing 3-0. That was also the final score. Not a bad result, says Hartman. “You are never satisfied with a defeat, but we are improving.”
Hartman debuted not only in front of his native country, but also in front of family, friends and his girlfriend. They were all in the stadium. “I really like that they came,” said the brand new Gibraltar international, who played three months in the Netherlands for VV HSC from Sappemeer.
Hartman after debut for Gibraltar in De Kuip: ‘This was very impressive’
Beforehand it was questionable whether he would be awarded a debut. “Luckily I got my debut. Very nice”, Hartman thanked his coach.
The 22-year-old midfielder had been arranging a passport for some time. When that was successful, it was a matter of waiting for his debut. “I’ve been hoping this for a long time,” said Hartman.
He had taken his debut into account, but also had to admit that it was difficult for him to imagine what it would be like in a full Kuip. “Making your debut is of course nice, to do that in a full Kuip is extra special.”
