Viergever hurts SC Heerenveen: 'He had to score'
Nick Viergever has contributed to PEC Zwolle's first win in over a year with his goal against SC Heerenveen. The 37-year-old defender was told before the game that he would score.
During the interview with Viergever by ESPN, the team's masseur and physical therapist Erwin Vloedgraver appears. He said he knew before the game that Viergever would score. 'I felt it in his muscles. They were so smooth, he had to score.'
Vloedgraver seems to have been quite confident in his prediction. 'I told him he would definitely score, 100%. And he did.'
Viergever can use the extra attention from the masseur these days. The veteran had to skip a training session earlier in the week and spends more time on the treatment table at 37. 'It creates a bond and apparently gives confidence. He gives me confidence.'
Not only Vloedgraver predicted a goal from Viergever. His son also thought before the game that his father would score and predicted even two goals. That seemed to be the case, but a second goal from Viergever was disallowed for offside.
With his valid goal, Viergever passes Bram van Polen on the list of oldest goal-scorers for PEC. Only Rinus Israël, who was 39 years and 160 days old at his last goal for the Zwollenaren, is still above him. 'Has he played for PEC? That's a great one for me. But if I want to catch up, Erwin has to do his best.'
However, Viergever was particularly pleased with the way PEC won the game. After defeats against Ajax and FC Twente, he saw a different team in Heerenveen. 'Today we were a completely different PEC. Then it was defensive, but it was more cautious. Now we were looking for moments. In the second half, they didn't come near our goal. That feels good.'
Also, the fact that PEC kept a clean sheet pleases the experienced defender. At the same time, he is careful not to let PEC get too enthusiastic after one win. 'We also kept a clean sheet. That's also very important. It's just a good win. We shouldn't get too excited right away. This is just the foundation, this is how we want to do it. We have to build on this.'
What happened?
PEC Zwolle has won their first away game in over a year. Nick Viergever has contributed to this win with his goal against SC Heerenveen.
Why is this important for Heerenveen?
This win is important for Heerenveen because PEC Zwolle has won their first away game in over a year. Heerenveen had expected PEC Zwolle to lose, but the Zwollenaren have surprised with a win.
What comes next?
PEC Zwolle will try to use this win to boost their season. Heerenveen will try to use this loss to improve their game and to forget the loss.
Current standings
Heerenveen is currently 9th in the Eredivisie with 4 points. PEC Zwolle is currently 14th in the Eredivisie with 3 points. Heerenveen has 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the Eredivisie. PEC Zwolle has 1 win and 2 losses in the Eredivisie.
Next fixture
Heerenveen will play against Willem II next week. PEC Zwolle will play against Ajax next week.
Sidelined players
Mats Egbring is currently suspended for Heerenveen. PEC Zwolle has no suspended players.
Statistics
Heerenveen has 3 goals and 4 conceded. PEC Zwolle has 5 goals and 4 conceded. Heerenveen is 5 points behind the leaders in the Eredivisie. PEC Zwolle is 7 points behind the leaders in the Eredivisie.
