Rotterdam takes the first step towards the national title in a spectacle

Rotterdam took the first step towards its first national title in thirteen years on Saturday. Erik van Driel's team won the spectacular first final meeting 3-2 against Amsterdam in the Wagener Stadium. All goals came in the first half, in which Rotterdam made it 2-0 within ten minutes. The return is on Monday at the Rotterdam complex.

Before a ball had rolled, Wagener was already shaking to its foundations. That was due to the second dazzling fireworks show of the day - followed by some more banging outside the gates. The national stadium turned green and red, which took the final to an even higher level. Half an hour earlier, the spectators had already been spoiled in the smoldering heat with a surprise performance by folk singer Dries Roelvink, who provided some extra atmosphere with evergreens over Amsterdam tulips and picket anussies.

The real entertainment had to come from the field, of course. And that came quite quickly - and mainly from one side. Because Rotterdam immediately showed its teeth in the lion's den. No fear, awe or bullshit behavior. Amsterdam was immediately put to the sword. After four minutes, a beautiful rush by Thijs van Dam led to the first corner of the match, which made it 0-1 via a nice variation.