As a hockey fan, Jeroen Hertzberger enjoys his first title match with the Orange in Hamburg, however the sportsman in him is upset that the staff is enjoying for bronze immediately and never for the European title.
“The match is a superb expertise anyway. I get pleasure from each second between the beams. I already look again on it with pleasure and a smile. These sorts of worldwide matches make me very completely satisfied and I believe it’s nice to signify the Netherlands. However I’m additionally upset that we’re not within the ultimate, as a result of it actually may have been.’
There was nothing improper with these phrases. On the final day of the group matches, the Orange squad was totally within the struggle for a spot within the ultimate. The staff partly threw in its personal glasses within the morning by forgetting to present Switzerland the ultimate blow . This introduced the Swiss again from a 5-3 deficit to a 5-5 draw.
Sophisticated command
The duty of reaching the ultimate grew to become extra sophisticated when competitor Germany beat the Czech Republic 9-1 within the final group match. Because of this, the Orange not solely needed to beat Austria, which had already certified for the ultimate, but in addition with a margin of six targets distinction.
Jeroen Hertzberger is upset after an opportunity within the duel in opposition to Austria throughout the European Championship Corridor in Hamburg. Photograph: William Vernes
“I had hoped that the Czechs may have put up a bit of extra resistance,” says Hertzberger, who watched the Czech Republic’s sport in opposition to Germany from the aspect. “We knew one thing like this might occur, however I didn’t suppose the distinction could be that massive. That sucks, however you simply don’t do something about it. Corridor hockey can be a dime on its aspect. It’s a must to come from a very good household to play finals. That doesn’t simply occur. That can be evident as a result of it has by no means occurred to the Netherlands at a European Championship.’
The Dutch staff went all out and defeated the Austrians 7-4 . Nonetheless, that margin was too small to move Germany within the group standings. Because of this, the victory over the world champion, the primary in opposition to the Alpine nation after 5 defeats in a row throughout a European Championship, acquired a bitter edge.
Austria has left the door ajar and we have now not kicked it in.Jeroen Hertzberger in regards to the final group match throughout the European Championship Corridor in Hamburg
“It’s a little bit of a triple feeling,” says Hertzberger. ‘We put all the pieces on the mat, however I had the concept that the Austrians have been saving themselves. They didn’t give all the pieces and that makes it much more bitter. Austria has left the door ajar and we have now not kicked it in. However on the identical time, in fact, we simply screwed up this morning. Now we have to be that trustworthy.’
As a hockey fan, Jeroen Hertzberger enjoys his first title match with the Orange within the corridor. Photograph: William Vernes
Hertzberger places his hand in his personal bosom. ‘I’ve to be trustworthy. I simply missed too many alternatives. At this time for certain. Now we have now not acquired additional than three targets distinction, whereas we had the chances. That’s very disappointing.’
“I believe we might be pleased with the best way we offered ourselves. We actually gave all the pieces and at instances confirmed good indoor hockey with plenty of power. The power we missed within the morning.’
Household assist
The frustration because of lacking out on the ultimate should be rapidly put away, as a result of the Orange squad will play for a bronze medal at 12.30 p.m. Hertzberger can rely on the assist of his dad and mom, spouse, kids and his brothers Willem and Maurits, each former indoor internationals.
“It’s unbelievable,” says Hertzberger. “They acquired within the automotive this morning. That does me excellent. Hopefully we will reward them tomorrow (immediately, ed.) with a bronze medal. That might be good.’
The household of Jeroen Hertzberger within the stands of the Sporthalle Hamburg throughout the European Championship Corridor. Photograph: William Vernes
