A fantastic football evening in De Vliert stadium had many emotions. In a match that went both ways, Vieiri Kotzebue was the big man on Den Bosch’s side. The substitute striker helped FC Den Bosch win its first period title in five years!
No changes in the starting eleven at FC Den Bosch. Head coach David Nascimento’s team is doing excellently and so there was no reason to change.
The tension was palpable in a swirling Vliert, where the match got off to an attractive start. After just eight minutes the first opportunity presented itself to FC Den Bosch. A passed cross unexpectedly landed at the feet of Mees Laros. The midfielder had to act quickly and shot the ball wide. From the subsequent corner, sharply turned in by Byron Burgering, the ball sailed dangerously towards the goal and ended up on the crossbar.
The people of Den Bosch continued to press hard and tried to attack with a lot of energy. The dominance on the field was clearly visible, with quick actions and a high tempo. After just under fifteen minutes, four corner kicks had already been forced, which underlined the determination and support of the crowd. FC Den Bosch was looking for the deserved opening goal.
In minute 14 there was Törles Knöll, the striker was able to score in the sixteen meters after a good cross from Miki Bakala. Unfortunately for FC Den Bosch, the German punted just wide.
Slowly, the forces at FC Den Bosch began to fade away, while De Graafschap gained more and more control over the match. This led to the first big chance for the visitors in the 18th minute. El Kadiri shot dangerously at goal and hit the crossbar, which caused a shockwave in De Vliert.
De Graafschap struck in the 35th minute. A misunderstanding in midfield between Stan Henderikx and Miki Bakala led to a free passage for Warmerdam. The midfielder of De Superboeren was able to cross half the field unhindered and controlled the ball into the long corner. The 0-1 was a fact, De Vliert fell silent for a moment.
Just before half time, De Graafschap became dangerous again. El Kadiri seemed to score 0-2 from close range, but Mees Bakker had other plans. With a great reflex he kept his goal clean and thus prevented a second goal for the team from Doetinchem. The goalkeeper of the Den Bosch team again showed his class from the subsequent corner kick. He was tested from close range, but with a fantastic save he managed to prevent a second goal. This is how the in-form goalkeeper kept FC Den Bosch alive.
De Graafschap started the second half strongly. Former Bosschean Ralf Seuntjes, who had just come on, immediately set the tone with a threatening attack. The striker cleverly held the ball and created a great opportunity for Tristan van Gilst. The De Superboeren attacker went alone to Mees Bakker. To the relief of the supporters, the winger shot narrowly past the post with his left foot.
With 25 minutes to play, David Nascimento decided to intervene. Vieiri Kotzebue and Hicham Acheffay entered the field. The substitutions paid off within ten minutes. Danzell Gravenberch launched an attack with his strength and found substitute Acheffay, who perfectly passed the ball to the other substitute: Vieiri Kotzebue. The striker controlled the equalizer and brought FC Den Bosch back on level terms, 1-1.
With the equalizer, FC Den Bosch was at the top of the battle for the period title. De Vliert felt that something special could happen and fully supported it. Encouraged by the crowd, the people of Den Bosch recovered the energy from the first part of the match and were fully on the attack. This led to another chance in the 73rd minute. A stray cross from Danzell Gravenberch ended up with Byron Burgering, who put the ball back to Rik Mulders. His sharp cross from the right found the head of Vieiri Kotzebue, who signed for his second of the evening. The stadium exploded and an exuberant De Vliert celebrated after the crucial goal by the substitute striker.
After that, it became mainly a matter of stopping FC Den Bosch, bearing in mind that in this position the period title was within reach for the first time in five years. The home team held on well and gave up few big chances. But in the end, De Graafschap got a corner kick. Joran Hardeman, the right back, headed in the equalizer, 2-2. Immediately after the headed corner, referee Martin van den Kerkhof blew the whistle.
A remarkable situation followed in the stands. Some supporters stormed onto the field to celebrate the period title, while the Helmond Sport match was still in progress. The situation was completely different with a goal from the fellow provincial. Meanwhile, the players and staff of FC Den Bosch were anxiously looking at their phones, waiting for a result. When it was announced that Helmond Sport had drawn 1-1, the party really started. De Vliert shook to its foundations, and Vieiri Kotzebue became the undisputed hero of the evening. FC Den Bosch won the period title for the first time in five years and the euphoria ensured a long, festive night in Den Bosch.
After the international match we will play against Vitesse at home. Tickets are selling fast but are still available via online ticket shop or at the reception of De Vliert. See you then!
FC Den Bosch: Bakker, Van den Bogert (45. Van Grunsven), Henderikx, Knöll (65. Kotzebue), Van Leeuwen (77. Van Hedel), De Groot, Burgering, Mulders, Gravenberch (77. Verbeek), Bakala ( 65. Acheffay), Laros
De Graafschap: Smits, Hardeman, Besselink (77. Grotenhuis), Willemsen, Schoppema, Warmerdam, Van Gilst (77. Brittijn), Najah, Eduardo (45. Seuntjens), Van de Haar (66. Mahi), El Kadiri
