Friday, August 2, 2024 at 7:49 PM
FC Groningen won the last practice match of the preparation. Heracles Almelo was defeated 2-0 in Euroborg under the watchful eye of more than 5,200 supporters. Thom van Bergen scored before half-time, Romano Postema was the other goal scorer after the break. Tomorrow, FC will hold its annual Open Day from 12:00. Next Friday, the Eredivisie starts with the home match against NAC Breda.
FC Groningen had the upper hand from the first whistle in the friendly match against Heracles Almelo. The recognizable playing style with a lot of pressure up front was visible to the 5,201 supporters who had traveled to Euroborg. It gave the Pride of the North the first big chance after 10 minutes of play.
Thom van Bergen ran at high speed towards goalkeeper Fabian de Keijzer and blocked the ball that was kicked out by the goalkeeper. Van Bergen stole the ball, shot past the goalkeeper, but the ball bounced centimeters along the wrong side of the post. Goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen was in an FC shirt for the first time in Euroborg. The goalkeeper had to stretch a few minutes after the big chance for Van Bergen on a shot by Jordy Bruijn.
Within fifteen minutes, FC had a good opportunity via Rui Mendes. Mendes was freed in front of goal by Johan Hove with a beautiful lob, but opted for the cross instead of the shot. The home team took the lead halfway through the first half via Van Bergen. The striker headed in a well-cut cross from Tika de Jonge, 1-0. The lead was no longer in danger before half-time.
Shortly after the break, Vaessen had to make a second save. Mario Engels headed from close range against the hand of the well-positioning goalkeeper. With the first chance for FC Groningen in the second half, after an hour of play, it was immediately a hit again. Van Bergen gave an excellent cross with the outside of his foot. Striker Romano Postema was at the end of that measured ball and shot in, 2-0.
Even after the break, FC Groningen put high pressure on the opponent where possible. It gave Hove possession of the ball fifteen minutes before the end, about twenty meters from the opponent’s goal. The combination between the midfielder and goal scorers Van Bergen and Postema ended in beauty in the penalty area.
The victory was not in danger in the last part of the practice match. Referee Alex Bos blew the final whistle after more than 90 minutes of play. Players, staff members and supporters can meet each other again this weekend. FC Groningen will hold the annual Open Day tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 3 August) from 12:00 to 17:00.
In and around Euroborg there are all kinds of activities for FC supporters. The player presentation on the main field is scheduled for 15:00. After this the players and staff members spread out over the field to hand out autographs for photos.
The Pride of the North will kick off the Eredivisie season on Friday 9 August at 8:00 PM with the home match against NAC Breda. Ticket sales are going fast. Tickets can be ordered via
