VVV-Venlo managed to qualify for the semi-finals of the Kitchen Champion Play-Offs on Saturday evening. Deep in the injury time of extra time, it made the difference against Willem II. Özcan Yasar became the goldcrest by heading in the 2-2, and that was enough after last Tuesday’s 3-2 win in the first game. VVV-Venlo awaits a double meeting with Almere City in the next round.
Willem II had two setbacks for the return against VVV. Wessel Dammers and Matthis Verreth were not fit enough to play. Freek Heerkens (central) and Niels van Berkel (left back) could therefore count on a basic place. At VVV, Kees de Boer started from the first whistle, meaning Soulyman Allouch had to settle for a spot on the bench. The team of trainer Reinier Robbemond experienced a dream start just like during last Tuesday’s game in Venlo. A nice cross from Leeroy Owusu was headed against the ropes by Elton Kabangu within six minutes: 1-0.
Dream start for @WillemII! Elton Kabangu draws the score over two matches after 7 minutes ??#wilvvv
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) May 27, 2023
The visitors then had to deal with another setback, after Levi Smans had to stop playing injured. The midfielder came into contact with Erik Schouten’s knee with his head and was unable to continue the game. Halfway through the first half, the home side doubled the margin. Jesse Bosch was able to swing from the edge of the sixteen-meter area and saw his shot deflected by Sem Dirks. Goalkeeper Ennio van der Gouw therefore had no chance.
Willem II had the perfect opportunity to further expand the score via Kabangu, but the striker failed to find the net from close range this time. VVV was hardly involved in the first act. The first time that Nick Venema escaped the attention of the defense of the Tilburg team, it was a direct hit. The striker was only just offside, so referee Ingmar Oostrom rightly canceled the goal.
?? @VVV Venlo fights back! Phenomenon Nick Venema hits the short corner ??#wilvvv
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) May 27, 2023
Laymen in the second act the Tricolores still pressing. Kabangu hit goal, but he hit the ball with his arm, which also caused a line through his goal. After the break, Willem II mainly limited himself to disrupting and consolidating the lead. It led to VVV being able to level the score over two matches. Venema only needed a small hole and hit the ball: 2-1. Robbemond saw his team crawl through the eye of the needle in the closing seconds of regular playing time when Venema shot just wide.
In extra time, the game did not improve for either side. For a long time there was not a single chance to record and it was a matter of waiting for the decisive penalty shootout. In the injury time of the second half of extra time, VVV struck out of nowhere. Venema had a tailor-made cross to Yasar, who managed to hit the target convincingly: 2-2.
VVV does it in the injury time of the extension and condemns @WillemII see you another year Kitchen Champion Division! ??#wilvvv
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) May 27, 2023