NEC qualified for the quarter-finals of the KNVB Cup with some effort on Tuesday evening. In Groesbeek, an early goal seemed to pave the way for an easy evening against De Treffers, but the second division player surprisingly offered a lot of resistance. Only in the final phase did NEC hold out, partly thanks to goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. Afterwards, trainer Dick Schreuder was realistic and complimentary towards the opponent: “These types of cup evenings are never self-evident.”
NEC took the lead after three minutes in Groesbeek, making it an easy evening for the current number four in the Eredivisie. Basar Önal scored on the visitors’ first attack. But the strong-playing De Treffers surprisingly came alongside just after half-time. “We knew in advance that it would be a tough evening,” Schreuder begins. “After the match against NAC we came out a bit battered. Besides that, you know that it will be difficult given all the circumstances.”
And so the quarter-final against FC Volendam awaits NEC on February 3, 4 or 5. “We are very happy with that. We started the match well, but if you don’t make the second or third, it becomes difficult. At one point we closed the outside with our diamond in midfield, which prevented the passing from going out quickly. We didn’t do that well.”
Credits to De Treffers
“I also have to give the credits to De Treffers,” said Schreuder. “I have worked in the Second Division myself and they have everything to win, but they were also very strong.” The hero of the evening may be Groesbeker Jasper Cillessen. “That’s what a goalkeeper is for. In the last minutes you know this scenario is coming with all the corners and shots.”
Tough weeks
With a cautious look, Schreuder is already looking ahead to the next cup round. “We’re really looking forward to that. In a sold-out house. But it won’t be an easy game. I saw Volendam against Utrecht at the weekend, we can get to work.” There are plenty of opportunities for the red-green-blacks to reach the semi-finals. “Cup football are special evenings. So it is also a great opportunity for Volendam to reach European football. We will have tough weeks with many matches with five matches in two weeks. I need everyone in that, that is why I played something different today. I can tell you that now afterwards,” Schreuder winks.
Foto: Orange Pictures
