FC Groningen Duo Shine As Jong Oranje Defeats Romania 2-0

In a triumphant display of teamwork and talent, Luciano Valente and Thom van Bergen, players for FC Groningen, stole the spotlight during Jong Oranje's friendly match against Jong Roemenië on March 25, 2025. Their contributions helped secure a solid 2-0 victory in Bucharest, marking the second win for the team in this international period, under the guidance of coach Michael Reiziger.

Following the match, Valente and van Bergen expressed their excitement about both their performance and each other's accomplishments. Van Bergen shared, "I had already received messages from teammates saying they would be watching. Earlier in the week, we talked about how great it would be if we could both get some minutes together, and today it turned out fantastic with two goals." He added, "Scoring is definitely a dream come true for both of us." Valente echoed this sentiment, noting, "What an achievement this has been for both of us. I hope it opens doors for my international career with Italy, as I would love to continue representing myself on a bigger stage."

This match also marked a significant milestone for Valente, as he made his debut start for Jong Oranje after previously playing for Italy's youth national team. His long-range shot that opened the scoring just five minutes after halftime was a testament to his skill and determination. Van Bergen's contribution, a header following a cross from teammate Myron van Brederode just eight minutes later, solidified their lead and capped a memorable outing for the duo.

Reflecting on the match, Van Bergen praised Valente’s artistic strike, stating, "For the best goal of the match, I have to give credit to Lu (Valente). That was a tremendous goal. He needs to do that more often." Valente, proud of his friend, remarked, "He may not be the tallest but he knows how to get his head on the ball and create danger." Their camaraderie shined through not only during the game but also outside of it, highlighting the strong friendship that exists between them.

The team’s victory was a crucial part of their preparations for the upcoming European Championship set to take place this summer in Slovakia. Jong Oranje will face formidable opponents in the group stages, including Finland, Denmark, and Ukraine, while Roemenië will also compete in the tournament. Jong Oranje's performance against Roemenië demonstrates their commitment to developing their skills and unity as a team in this critical lead-up to the championship.

Additionally, Max Bruns, another FC Groningen player, featured prominently throughout the match and played the entire game, contributing to the team's defensive efforts and overall tactical execution. As the team gears up for their European campaign, Reiziger's squad aims to build on this momentum, enhancing their gameplay and confidence through these friendly fixtures.

The friendship and teamwork displayed by Valente and van Bergen is a refreshing reminder of the power of collaboration in sport. With their outstanding performance in Bucharest, the future looks bright for both players and the Jong Oranje squad as they approach the summer’s European Championship.