Willem II beats De Graafschap, NAC takes big step toward playoffs

Willem II strengthened its lead in the battle for the fourth period title in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. The Tilburgers, who are fourth in the regular rankings, won 3-2 at home against De Graafschap.

‘De Superboeren’ are virtually hopeless for participation in the playoffs for promotion/degradation due to the defeat. They are now seven points behind number eight VVV-Venlo and, with three games to go, are virtually impossible to make up.

Thanks to a goal by Elton Kabangu, Willem II took the lead at half-time. Early in the second half, De Graafschap turned the deficit into a lead within a few minutes, after which the match ignited further.

The home side equalized again through Niels van Berkel and Jeremy Bokila signed for the 3-2. Willem II were lucky that De Graafschap hit the post twice in the closing stages and a Charlison Benschop goal was disallowed.

Last Tuesday, Willem II had lost points in Breda, where the remainder of the earlier suspended game with NAC was played. The latter club can most likely prepare for the playoffs as well. Through a 4-2 home victory over Roda JC, NAC climbed to fifth place.

After the Breda natives took a comfortable 2-0 lead midway through the first half through Elías Már Ómarsson and Ezechiel Banzuzi, Niek Vossebelt brought the visitors back into the game ten minutes before halftime.

However, thanks to Victor Wernersson, who placed the ball in fine fashion into the top corner, NAC again had a two-goal margin midway through. Jort van der Sande provided the assist for the first three Breda goals.

In the second half, Roda came closer once more. Arjen van der Heide scored the second goal for the Limburgers, who were nevertheless unable to avoid defeat. Indeed, the last word was to substitute Sabir Agougil.

The NAC midfielder did not hesitate when the ball landed at his feet after a dramatic kick out by Rody de Boer. From a distance of about 35 meters, Agougil shot the ball over the Roda goalkeeper: 4-2.