Toulouse takes first major prize in club history with major Dutch contribution

NOS Football–yesterday, 22:57

Main role for Dutchmen Toulouse in France cup final

The fairy tale of the Dutch enclave at Toulouse continues. After last season’s championship in the Ligue 2, the club from southern France won the Coupe de France (5-1) at the expense of Nantes, thanks in part to a major contribution from Dutchmen Branco van den Boomen, Stijn Spierings, Thijs Dallinga and Zakaria Aboukhlal.

In a packed Stade de France in Paris, Toulouse, the current number 12 in the Ligue 1, overcame cup holder Nantes, ranked 16th, in the first half. From a corner by assist king Branco van den Boomen, Logan Costa headed Toulouse into the lead as early as the fourth minute.

From van den Boomen to Spierings

And from a free kick by Van den Boomen the second goal fell. After the free kick the ball came via a Nantes head to Spierings, who then cleverly brought the ball in front of the goal. There defender Costa was free to head in his second goal of the evening in the tenth minute.

Thijs Dallinga celebrates his first goal; right Branco van den Boomen

Then it was time for striker Dallinga. Unlike Van den Boomen and Spierings, the former FC Emmen and FC Groningen player did not experience promotion and only moved from Excelsior to France last year. In the league this season he has already scored 12 times and also in the cup final the Groninger showed his feel for the goal.

From Dallinga to Aboukhlal

After a clever pass from Gabriel Suazo, Dallinga got to the ball before goalkeeper Alban Lafont and tipped the ball over the doubting Nantes goalkeeper into the goal. Moments later, he was alert enough to tap in the rebound via the inside of the post to make it 4-0.

Zakaria Aboukhlal and Thijs Dallinga celebrate with Toulouse

There were then 59 minutes to go, but the game was basically played. Two more goals fell in the second half. After Ludovic Blas produced Nantes’ counter-goal from the penalty spot, Dutch-born Moroccan international Zakaria Aboukhlal also added his name to the scoreboard.

A free kick by Van den Boomen stranded in the Nantes defense, after which Aboukhlal did not hesitate, The Moroccan World Cup contender popped the ball into the ropes via a Nantes body. The Dutch celebration was not completed with a contribution from Saïd Hamulic. The Bosnian Dutchman remained on the bench.