18:28
The visitors from Groningen have arrived
Unfortunately, we cannot show this social post, live blog or otherwise because it contains one or more social media elements. Accept the social media cookies to still show this content.
18:24
Flashback to Jeredy Hilterman’s golden goal
William II, as is known, rose match point this evening. For the second away match in a row, the Tricolores finally scored a point against Jong FC Utrecht (1-1) and MVV (1-1) respectively. Lifesaver? Almere City mercenary Jeredy Hilterman twice.
Was it promotional nerves or was it one of those competitions that you experience once in a while in the Kitchen Champion Division? Hilterman was certainly disappointed with the game that the Tilburg team showed. ,,It was really lousy. You can come up with all kinds of plans in advance, but if you play like that, there is no point.”
Although there were also bright spots for the match against MVV. You can read what these are here.
18:01
Two hours until kick-off!
Unfortunately, we cannot show this social post, live blog or otherwise because it contains one or more social media elements. Accept the social media cookies to still show this content.
17:57
It certainly won’t be on the turf tonight…
Unfortunately, we cannot show this social post, live blog or otherwise because it contains one or more social media elements. Accept the social media cookies to still show this content.
17:48
Frank (35) has to choose between his two great football loves
He hopes for a victory for Willem II, but thinks that Groningen will win and he can live with a draw. Frank Metsemakers (35) is having a torn week. He is the only Tilburg citizen with an FC Groningen season ticket. Although he also has one from Willem II. “I am extremely nervous about that pot.”
His love for the club blossoms when Metsemakers, born near Venlo, goes to study in Tilburg. He has a permanent place in section H with a permanent group of nine friends. “I have lived in Brabant for seventeen years and am devoted to Willem II.”
But how does he end up at FC Groningen? You can read here how an American football player and a heartbreaking story ensured that Frank also has green-white blood running through his body.
17:31
Fancy a Willem II pastry? Then you have to go to this bakery tomorrow morning (provided promotion is a fact)
Do they already sell tompouces or other pastries with a Willem II logo on them? No, is the answer from many Tilburg bakers. “Everything is orange with us now.” But there is one where the pastry chefs are ready for Saturday morning.
If Willem II manages to win at home against Groningen on Friday evening and thus secures promotion, the bakers will get to work early on Saturday morning to make petit fours with a Willem II logo. “A delicious pastry,” says Vesseur.
The dessert is only available at one branch of Meesterbakker Van Iersel. You can read here which one it is and from what time you can join the queue.
17:17
Meet Merijn Goris, the new general director of Willem II
At the beginning of this week it was all set: Merijn Goris (36) will become the new general manager of Willem II as of July 1. He follows Martin van Geel (63) with the Tilburgers. Goris has signed a contract for an indefinite period.
As a little boy, Goris already had a Willem II season ticket, subsequently held several positions in the business world and traveled all over the world, but the Goirle resident continued to visit Tricolores matches as a fanatic supporter. Now he is really returning to his roots. Read the first introduction to Merijn Goris here.
4:50 PM
No ticket for the stadium? You still get the atmosphere in these cafes
King’s night? Tonight is a no-brainer for many Tilburg bars. Like Papa Jim Sportsbar, with owners Arjan Swinkels (former Willem II captain) and Jaap van Ham. “Since Willem II has been doing so well, we have been full for all home and away games,” says Van Ham.
Papa Jim Sportsbar is not the only pub in Tilburg where you can watch Willem II – FC Groningen live. Read here where else in the city you can go for possible promotion to the Eredivisie.
16:37
Still 3.5 hours until kick-off, how are you following the match?
Will the party start tonight for Willem II? Will the King’s Club return to the Premier League on the day before King’s Day? The city sympathizes en masse during the top match against FC Groningen. We are curious about how you follow the competition. Share your story!
Does nothing come out of your hands all day at the office because of the tension? Are you and your buddies in town early in the afternoon to toast the happy ending?
We are looking for your stories. Everything is allowed, as long as it has a red, white and blue tint. Email your story, if possible with photos, to [email protected].
15:45
Peter Maes gets what he wants
Willem II usually has no complaints about support from the stands, but FC Groningen home must become something unique, the Supporters Collective also believes. And so the first call came to everyone in the stadium on Friday: wear something red, white and blue.
Willem II coach Peter Maes already made a similar call after the match with MVV. “If staff, club and supporters continue to fully support the boys. We need everyone, really everyone,” said the Belgian coach. Read the whole story here.
15:41
Good afternoon!
And welcome to the live blog of the Willem II – FC Groningen match. Although the match doesn’t start until 8 p.m., the Brabants Dagblad will be there early this afternoon. That has everything to do with the fact that Willem II can enforce promotion to the Premier League tonight.
The tension has been palpable in Tilburg for days and is now reaching boiling point. Will Willem II manage to return to the highest level after two years? Don’t miss anything in our live blog: from atmospheric impressions, stories and previews, to the match itself and perhaps also the festivities afterwards!
Tags: LIVE Tension palpable Tilburg Willem promoted Premier League tonight William
