Chapter Two
Eredivisie Relagation/Jupiler League Promotion Playoff 1st Round Leg 1
23rd of April, 2012
As I take another sip of my cold water, Rene takes a quick glance at me. He coolly wipes his suit before entering the scrutiny of the modern media.
"Play it cool, Jason," he whispers, sensing my nerves, "the first two matches were great. Be yourself and they'll love you."
A took several large steps out onto the stage and took a seat. Rene and the press officer took several questions before handing over to me - for only my second ever press conference. The first was my introduction and I'd sent my trustworthy assistant to the others before this. He was a safe pair of hands to work with.
"Jason, do you really think Almere City have a realistic chance of gaining this promotion? You have several injuries to key players which will surely take away any chance you ever had," asked one reporter,
"Sure... I wouldn't be in the job if I didn't believe in the club. The four-nil win again Fortuna and two-one win against Cambuur have set us in good stead. The key injuries are harsh on the team who have worked hard all year, but I'm certain that the replacements will be ready," I replied,
"There are rumours already linking you with big clubs across Europe after just two games in the job. What would be your response if a club like Porto did come calling?" asked another,
"Obviously Porto are a huge club. It's magnificent to be linked with jobs like that, but realistically, I owe Almere City success before leaving even enters my mind. It's a great club built in a great community. I'm enjoying life here," I replied,
"The first leg is obviously being held here, at the clubs home. Does this present you with an opportunity to gain a lead over Veendam, or could this work against you?" asked another,
"It's a fifty-fifty chance. At this stage, form goes out the window. These games are all about being the superior team over one hundred and eighty minutes. If we can do that against three different opponents, we'll be playing in the Eredivisie. Thank you for your time, any questions will be handled by Rene from now," I was whisked off back-stage.
Four hours later...
I headed down the tunnel as the crowd went wild. Both sets of players looked up for this one. We'd sold out the stadium and it looked packed. It wasn't exactly the biggest stadium ever, but it certainly created a big atmosphere.
The whistle blew and this was our chance. My chance. The teams' chance. The fans' chance. We could not mess this up.
The game began. It was fast-paced, exciting and if I was a neutral; I'd be glad to pay to see this type of football. It's the type to show off to those interested in taking up football. It's great from both sides. Passes were quick, the runs made were excellent and the vision shown was great.
In the fifteenth minute, Veendam got a free-kick. A cheap one to give away - a small trip - but nonetheless they made us pay. A quick ball was chipped into the box where an opposition striker was left in yards of space. As the ball dropped, he volleyed it first time into the roof of the net. Not good enough!
As the half wore on, we were falling further and further behind our opponents in terms of class. They were totally outplaying us and I couldn't wait to get in with the boys at the half.
Half-time
"Come on boys, this isn't good enough. I know it, you know it and most of all the opposition know it. This is the home leg - we're supposed to have an advantage here and instead we can't even pass a football between two of us. Do you need reminding that a promotion is in stake here? Somewhere this club has never been before in it's history. You, and only you, can make history. Get out there and sort yourselves out. I want to see an improvement from the lot of you. Come on!"
We started the second-half much better than we had finished the first. The fans played a big part in lifting the team; they continued on chanting through the full fifteen minute break and it surely must have gotten to the team. It surely got to me.
Just minutes into the half and we pulled ourselves level. A corner was out-swung by Sluijter and Schulmeister rose at the near-post. He headed it across goal and it found it's way across into the far corner. Come on!
After the goal, we continued on pressing. We created chance after chance and couldn't find the net. The midfielders were struggling to get into shooting positions and many of the chances fell to the strikers who were put under extreme pressure from the opposition defence.
As full-time approached, we finally took the lead. A free-kick was earned, just inside the opposition half. Misidjan knocked the ball long into the opposition box. Serrarens took it down first time with a beautiful touch and looked to bury it. As he swung, he completely missed the ball and it went rolling over to the post. He quickly recovered, stretching for the ball. Before he made contact, though, an opposition defender attempted a clearance - only to hammer the ball into his own net. Come on!
With seconds left, we nearly took a two goal lead. Sluijter beat his marker from a corner and smashed a header against the bar. As the ball was cleared, the final whistle went. We had one foot into the semi-finals of the playoffs.
Full-time
"That was much, much better lads! It was a stunning second-half performance to give us the upper hand heading to their place. I feel it was vital, too, as it isn't an easy place to go. Well done boys! Get yourselves home and get plenty of rest for the return leg!"
End result: 2-1
