Willem II secured a positive result in their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over Greek Super League side OFI Crete on 1 August 2026. The international club friendly, kicked off at 20:30, gave both coaches a useful test against unfamiliar opposition as they fine-tuned their squads ahead of the new campaign.

Match overview

Willem II looked sharp in attack and pressed with intensity throughout the first half, taking the game to a well-organised OFI Crete side. The hosts created the clearer chances and deserved their lead, but OFI Crete showed their quality with spells of controlled possession and equalised before half-time. The second half was a tighter, more physical contest, with Willem II eventually finding the winning goal through a well-worked move in the final third.

Pre-season significance

For Willem II, this friendly was another important step in building fitness, chemistry and tactical understanding ahead of the competitive season. The coaching staff used the match to rotate players and give valuable minutes to squad members, while the result adds confidence after a promising summer programme. OFI Crete also benefited from the intensity of the contest, facing a determined Dutch side that pressed high and tested their defensive organisation.

Key observations

• Willem II’s pressing game disrupted OFI Crete’s build-up play in the opening exchanges.
• OFI Crete showed patience and technical quality to work their way back into the match.
• The decisive goal came from a combination down the right side, finishing with a low cross converted at the near post.
• Several substitutes made strong cases for starting roles as full-time approached.

Friendly results are never the final word, but Willem II will take considerable encouragement from the performance and the outcome as they continue their countdown to kickoff. OFI Crete, meanwhile, will value the competitive minutes against a physically strong opponent as they sharpen their own edge for Greek Super League action.