SC Heerenveen win Dutch Cup

May 18, 2009

SC Heerenveen have won the Dutch Cup for the first time in history. In a penalty shoot-out, the Frisians were more precise than opponents FC Twente.

The final, played at Rotterdam’s De Kuip stadium, offered an entertaining clash between two sides that had nothing to lose. Heerenveen were slightly better in the first half and scored the opener through Goran Popov in the 26th minute.

But Twente gained strength in the second half and equalised through Eljero Elia nine minutes after the break. The Enschede outfit had several other big chances and even hit the woodwork on three occasions.

Former Feyenoord and Auxerre striker Bonaventure Kalou put Heerenveen back ahead in extra time (111th minute) but Youssouf Hersi forced a penalty shootout with a 117th-minute equaliser, 2-2.

From the spot, Heerenveen were the better side and went on to win the trophy for the first time ever.

Heerenveen also featured in the 1993 and 1997 finals, but lost those to Ajax and Roda JC respectively.

Written: Jonathan Roorda

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