On December 18, 2024, FC Twente faced off against VV Katwijk in a gripping KNVB Cup match, securing their place with a narrow 3-2 victory. The game, played at Katwijk's home ground, showcased the fighting spirit of the amateur team, but Twente’s experience proved decisive.
Twente struck first within the first three minutes, thanks to Alec Van Hoorenbeeck. His volley from the edge of the box seemed unassailable for Katwijk's goalkeeper, Stan van Bladeren, who failed to parry the ball effectively, leading to early jubilation for the visiting fans.
Yet, Katwijk refused to back down. Thirteen minutes later, they struck back when Robin Schulte capitalized on a mishap by Twente’s Lars Unnerstall. Unnerstall clumsily handled the ball during a corner, ceding it to Schulte, who fired off a powerful shot, leveling the score at 1-1. The Katwijk crowd erupted, and the team began to dominate the play, creating several opportunities to take the lead.
The first half ended with both teams tied, but it was Katwijk who carried the momentum. They nearly found themselves on top after Dalian Maatsen rattled the crossbar, and several other chances had Twente’s defense on high alert. Katwijk’s coach, Jasper Ketting, felt the tide had turned and noted, "I saw the players anxious for more; we had our chances, and we could have taken the lead."
After halftime, FC Twente made significant changes, bringing on veteran Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who proved to be the game-changer they desperately needed. Just two minutes after the restart, Van Wolfswinkel converted a cross from Sem Steijn, nudging Twente back to the lead at 2-1. This wasn’t just luck; it signaled Twente's determination to assert their dominance once again.
Things took another turn just moments later when Bas Kuipers scored again for Twente, extending their lead to 3-1 with another well-placed shot following another assist from Van Rooij. The 35-year-old Van Wolfswinkel's impact was immediate and undeniable. "It was one of those moments where everything clicks," he said post-match.
Despite falling two goals behind, Katwijk's fighting spirit led them to press forward. The pressure they applied did not go unnoticed. Mohammed Tahiri entered the fray, and minutes before the final whistle, he managed to score, bringing the score to 2-3 and reigniting hope for the home side. His effort was commendable; he escaped Twente’s defense and was cool enough to place the ball past Unnerstall, albeit with the goalkeeper's insufficient resistance.
With just six minutes remaining, the mood shifted dramatically. Katwijk pushed for another goal, eagerly seeking to pull even. Coach Ketting later expressed his team's missed opportunities and noted, "We felt we had it in us to equalize; it was right there for us!" The resilient amateur squad pressed valiantly but fell short as time ticked away, culminating with Twente hanging onto their lead.
The final whistle signaled Katwijk's exit from the tournament, but they did so with their heads held high. Both teams exhibited spirited performances; Twente faltered but remained resilient, finally earning their advancement to the next round. Joseph Oosting, FC Twente’s coach, reflected on the triumph, stating, "It’s always tough playing against amateur teams; they have little to lose, and they come out swinging. But we held on, and that's what mattered."
For Katwijk, this match was more than just another footnote; it served as proof of their potential against professional clubs. Despite their disappointment, which Ketting emphasized, it aligned with the sentiment expressed by Schulte after the match: "From the start, we were competitive. If we can hold our ground against this level, we can hold our heads high." With the competition heating up, Twente will look forward to the draw for the next round of the KNVB Cup, with their eyes set firmly on the ultimate prize.
