NEC became the first club in the KNVB Cup semifinals with an emphatic win over ADO Den Hagg

It was NEC’s first trip to the semi-finals since the 2013–2014 campaign. On Saturday night, coach Rogier Meijer’s team will be aware of the opponent’s identity in the draw. That will be the Feyenoord-AZ, FC Groningen-Fortuna Sittard, or SC Cambuur-Vitesse winner. Wednesday and Thursday are the scheduled dates for the games.

NEC’s recent success—the team having won nine straight games—had boosted team confidence, and that feeling didn’t diminish in the little two minutes of play against ADO Den Haag, the runner-up in the Kitchen Champion division. with the score of 1-0. ADO Den Haag’s players failed to see Ogawa as Chery executed a corner kick, and Ogawa successfully headed the ball in.

NEC performed a disappointing first half after failing to provide a fitting response to that incredible start. Aside from a beautiful shot by Bart van Rooij (which Nick Marsman made a difficult save on), the squad was careless and did not create any opportunities. ADO Den Haag was able to play more forward as a result.

At NEC, things initially became worse in the second half. The first half was a terrible disaster for the squad, and they owe a debt of gratitude to Philippe Sandler for his outstanding save that kept Daryl van Mieghem from tying the score. Tyrese Asante also had a goal alertly saved by Robin Roefs, who was chosen to Jasper Cillessen in the previous cup matches.

After an hour, NEC gained control and was extremely successful. Five minutes later, NEC had increased their lead to 3-0 after a player from ADO Den Haag cleared substitute Sylla Sow’s effort off the goal line.

Following excellent setup play by Rober Gonzalez and Sow with a lovely curve, Dirk Proper scored from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner following a pass from Bart van Rooij. A few moments later, Chery scored from the same distance. Chery’s goal for NEC was his third in as many games.

After then, NEC started to believe it a little bit, and ADO Den Haag lost the will to fight back. While the tournament match takes place on Friday when they visit RKC Waalwijk, where another step towards the European football play-offs may be made, residents in Nijmegen will be excitedly awaiting the draw for the semi-finals.