Following his team’s triumph in the KNVB Beker final, Go Ahead Eagles’ captain Mats Deijl appeared remarkably composed, a quality that has drawn comments about him being “crazy”.
In a historic moment for the club, Go Ahead Eagles clinched their inaugural KNVB Beker after defeating AZ 4-2 on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw in both regular and extra time. Mats Deijl played a pivotal role by converting a penalty kick in the 99th minute, propelling the match into the extra period.
The 27-year-old reflected on the decisive penalty with calm appreciation. “I was incredibly focused and made sure to control my breathing. It went in nicely. Thank goodness I managed to convert again during the shootout,” the captain recounted.
Deijl was aware that his serene demeanour post-victory might attract some criticism. “Perhaps some might see me as crazy. But this is just who I am,” he stated.
‘A Fantastic Reward’
The last time Go Ahead Eagles celebrated a major title was back in 1933, when they secured their fourth and last national championship. Prior to this, the club had only reached the Dutch Cup final once, in 1965, where they were narrowly defeated by Feyenoord, 1-0.
The captain underscored the importance of this victory for both the team and the city of Deventer. “The people of Deventer dedicate themselves tirelessly to make ends meet. This trophy is a fantastic reward for the city and the club. We, as players, will come to appreciate this even more with time. It’s an honour to be a part of this achievement.”
For more insights on the KNVB Beker final, check out our match report here.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
