De Treffers 2 – 2 VVV Venlo
International Club Friendly | 11 July 2026, 18:00 kick‑off

Dutch amateur side De Treffers earned a creditable 2‑2 draw against Eerste Divisie club VVV Venlo in a pre‑season friendly that served up end‑to‑end entertainment. The match, played at De Treffers’ Sportpark Zuid in Groesbeek, saw the hosts twice come from behind to level late on.

Match Overview

VVV Venlo, expected to be competitive in the upcoming second‑tier season, fielded a mix of first‑team regulars and trialists. De Treffers, who compete in the Tweede Divisie (third tier), showed no fear and matched their professional opponents for effort and creativity.

Key Moments

• 20th minute – VVV took the lead through a well‑worked set‑piece: a short corner reached winger Nick de Bondt, whose curling shot found the far corner.
• 38th minute – De Treffers equalised when striker Tim Waterink pounced on a defensive mix‑up and slotted home from close range.
• 55th minute – VVV regained the advantage as forward Sven Braken latched onto a through ball and finished with composure past the home keeper.
• 84th minute – A powerful header from substitute Lars van der Meijden from a corner rescued a point for De Treffers, sparking celebrations among the home fans.

Tactical Approach

De Treffers adopted a compact 4‑4‑2 shape, pressing aggressively in midfield and looking to hit on the counter. VVV Venlo tried to build from the back but were disrupted by the hosts’ high energy. The second half saw both sides make multiple substitutions, affecting the rhythm but not the intensity.

Standout Performers

Tim Waterink was a constant menace for De Treffers, his movement causing VVV’s defence problems. For VVV, Nick de Bondt showed quality on the ball and was involved in the first goal. De Treffers’ goalkeeper Robin van der Heijden made several sharp saves to keep the score level.

Pre‑Season Significance

The draw represents a strong showing for De Treffers against higher‑level opposition. VVV Venlo will view the result as a valuable fitness exercise, though defensive lapses will be a concern for coach Rick Kruys ahead of the league season.