In a thrilling finish to the KNVB Beker final, Go Ahead Eagles emerged victorious over AZ Alkmaar on April 21, 2025, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out held at De Kuip. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with goalkeeper Jari de Busser saving two crucial penalties to secure the club's first major trophy.
The match began with AZ Alkmaar taking the lead in the second half through a penalty converted by Troy Parrott. The Irish forward initially had his penalty saved by De Busser but was awarded a retake due to a VAR review that determined a player had encroached into the area. Parrott made no mistake on the second attempt, striking the ball low into the corner as De Busser dove the wrong way.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the match, Go Ahead Eagles found their equalizer in dramatic fashion. With just minutes remaining in regulation time, referee Danny Makkelie awarded a penalty for a handball by AZ defender Peer Koopmeiners. Go Ahead's captain, Mats Deijl, stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted it home, sending the match into extra time.
In the dying moments of injury time, Go Ahead nearly snatched victory when Milan Smit's shot went just wide of the post, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The match eventually progressed to a penalty shoot-out after neither team could find a winner in extra time.
During the shoot-out, both teams converted their first three penalties. However, the tide turned when De Busser made a stunning save against Zico Buurmeester, giving Go Ahead the advantage. After Smit scored, De Busser came up big again, denying Mayckel Lahdo with another brilliant save.
With the score at 4-2 in the shoot-out, substitute Julius Dirksen stepped up to take the decisive kick. He coolly slotted the ball past AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Odoru, sealing the victory for Go Ahead Eagles and sending their fans into raptures.
After the match, coach Paul Simonis praised his team for their resilience and highlighted the contributions of his goalkeeper. "We were dead and buried, but I’d brought on three strikers to try to create an overload, and it paid off," Simonis said. "He won the match for us," he added, referring to De Busser's heroics.
Jari de Busser, who had been instrumental throughout the tournament, expressed his disbelief at the victory, calling it a "bizarre" experience and a "boyhood dream." He reflected on the emotional weight of the win, stating, "I have no words for this. I felt speechless after the semi-final against PSV as well."
De Busser's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he had already made significant saves during the match, including a crucial stop against Parrott in the first half. His efforts not only earned him accolades but also marked a significant moment in his career, as this was his first major trophy with Go Ahead Eagles.
For De Busser, the victory holds personal significance as well. His girlfriend, Manon Stragier, a successful volleyball player, has already accumulated several trophies in her career. The couple has been together for 2.5 years, managing a long-distance relationship as Stragier resides in Belgium while De Busser plays in the Netherlands.
With this victory, Go Ahead Eagles not only claimed the KNVB Beker but also secured a spot in the qualifying rounds for next season's Europa League, a significant achievement for the club. In contrast, AZ Alkmaar, currently sixth in the Eredivisie, will now focus on securing a place in the Conference League through the end-of-season play-offs.
As the celebrations continued into the night, the significance of this win for Go Ahead Eagles cannot be understated. It marks a new chapter for the club and its players, who have fought hard throughout the season. The victory is a testament to their determination and resilience, and it will surely resonate with fans for years to come.
In a season filled with ups and downs, this triumph serves as a reminder of the magic of cup competitions, where anything can happen, and dreams can come true. For Go Ahead Eagles, the future looks bright as they prepare to take on Europe and build on this historic success.
