After ten competition duels without victory, Heerenveen can call himself quarter-finalist in the cup. Joey Veerman shot the Frisians in the last minute from the dot past FC Emmen: 1-2.
Eight-time international Ricardo van Rhijn caused the penalty with a snug handsball, after which Veerman shot through keeper Dennis Telgenkamp.
Emmen trainer Dick Lukkien spoke of an “unexplained action” from his experienced defender. “Probably did it in a reflex. Incomprehensible, but he will think so himself.”
Nice Goal Peña
“ I‘m glad it’s a good time,” said Heerenveen-trainer Johnny Jansen. For the first time in two weeks, the practitioner sat back on the bench at his club, after having missed the last two honorary divisions due to a corona infection.
The eleven of Jansen started the duel well, but saw Emmen get more and more grip on the game. Sergio Peña even scored beautifully at a stroke of rest, after a dribble and a combination through the middle.
Out of nowhere Heerenveen came through a changed direction volley of Benjamin Nygren at equal height, just as the penalty kick fell from the sky.
“ There were moments before us to decide,” said Emmen captain Michael de Leeuw. “Last game against Vitesse you also saw that we were getting better by attacking. You just forget to finish the game.”
Heerenveen next round at home
So Heerenveen continues, which is assured of a home match in the next round. Vitesse, PSV, Feyenoord or the winner of VVV-Go Ahead Eagles (Thursday) is the opponent. The draw is Saturday.
Jansen is looking forward to that duel in several ways. “I hope that by then some people will be able to join us, we are all ready to do that.”