NIJMEGEN, Netherlands – Tjarron Chery, the captain of NEC Nijmegen, delivered a candid assessment following his team’s 2-2 draw against sc Heerenveen on Sunday, a result that left him feeling frustrated despite scoring both of NEC’s goals. The draw, while extending their unbeaten run, highlighted a missed opportunity to solidify their position in the Eredivisie table as they chase a European qualification spot.
Chery, a key figure for both NEC and the Suriname national team, expressed disappointment that his side failed to capitalize on early chances. “It was a match with a lot of fight and tempo, enjoyable for the fans,” he said, as reported by Forza NEC. “We should have decided it in the first half hour with those big opportunities. We didn’t capture them, and then you have to come back, especially due to the fact that they also scored two strong goals.”
NEC’s recent form has been impressive, including a victory over PSV the previous weekend. However, Chery noted a difference in the challenges posed by different opponents. “Against top teams, we get more space, which suits us better. Teams that sit back make it harder for us. But we have to look at ourselves. We should have finished this match earlier.”
The result leaves NEC in a competitive position, but Chery acknowledged the importance of maximizing points in the remaining matches. “If we had won today, we would have been in a very good position. That didn’t happen. We need to look forward. We have six or seven finals to go. We know what we have to do.”
Despite the team’s frustration, Chery found personal satisfaction in his second goal, describing it as “a fantastic and beautiful goal.” However, he quickly reiterated that team success is paramount. “I would have preferred to be standing here with three points. That would have felt better heading into the international break.” Interestingly, Chery did not celebrate his goal, a gesture he admitted he couldn’t fully explain. “I am very happy with my goals, even if I don’t always show it. Honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t jump for joy. Maybe it will happen after a hat trick,” he joked.
Chery’s return to form has been a significant boost for NEC. After a period where he wasn’t at his best, the attacking midfielder is rediscovering his scoring touch. “When you score a few times in a row, the ball goes in more easily. You hit them better. That has to do with confidence,” he explained. “Sometimes a little luck comes into it too. There will always be people who talk. That’s part of it. I know what I can do. I also know that Notice high expectations of me.”
The focus now shifts to international duty for Chery, who will join the Suriname national team. “We’re going to Suriname tomorrow. Full focus. Two times full throttle. Hopefully, we’ll come back with a World Cup ticket. Everyone is behind us,” he stated, highlighting the national team’s ambition to qualify for the World Cup. According to Wikipedia, Chery began representing Suriname in 2021.
The upcoming international window presents a crucial opportunity for Chery and Suriname as they compete in the play-offs for a place in the World Cup. They face Bolivia on Thursday, with a potential final against Iraq awaiting the winners. The stakes are high, and Chery’s leadership and goal-scoring ability will be vital to Suriname’s chances.
For NEC Nijmegen, the international break provides a chance for players to rest and regroup before a crucial final stretch of the Eredivisie season. The team will need Chery in top form when they return to domestic action, as they continue their pursuit of European qualification. The club recently confirmed, via Key News Suriname, that Chery’s recent suspension has been reduced from three to two matches, with one game suspended, following an appeal to the disciplinary committee after receiving a red card against Heerenveen.
The Eredivisie season is reaching its climax, and NEC Nijmegen, under the guidance of their captain Tjarron Chery, are determined to finish strongly and achieve their ambitious goals. The coming weeks will be a true test of their resolve and a defining moment in their season.
Next Up: Tjarron Chery and Suriname face Bolivia in a crucial World Cup play-off match on Thursday, March 26th. The match will be played in Suriname, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM local time (12:00 AM UTC on March 27th).
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