The match between Greece and the Netherlands is over. The Oranje have won 1-0 at the OPAP Arena in Athens thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s goal in the 90th minute.
All the Dutch are excited, they know they have taken a decisive step to qualification for Euro 2024 in Germany, writes Dimitris Manakos.
Many Netherlands players agree to stop and talk to us Greek journalists. But I want to talk to just one.
I approach Bart Verbruggen and explain that as well as working for England365.gr, I also write for WeAreBrighton.com.
Verbruggen is impressed that a Greek knows about Brighton, watches from so far away and writes about the Seagulls.
The goalkeeper talks about everyone and everything. The performance of the Dutch team, the atmosphere, the poor grass on the pitch at the stadium where Brighton will play AEK Athens in December.
He maturely avoids commenting on the objects that were thrown onto the field by Greek fans after the Dutch winner.
As for Brighton? Verbruggen says he is living the dream with the under Roberto De Zerbi. “We’re going to take all the matches and wherever he takes us.”
Simple, pleasant, honest. Here is what Veberuggen had to say after Greece 0-1 Netherlands.
Good evening Bart and congratulations on the win. First, I would like to ask you about the Dutch victory. How important is it to you and how did you experience the match against the Greek National Team?
“I think the atmosphere was excellent. I liked the stadium to be honest, as a stadium. But the grass was in a terrible state. Not good at all. We struggled a lot. But we proved that we have a fighting spirit. We fought, we don’t just know how to play well. We did it and we are very happy for the three points.”
Do you think this is the most important step for the Netherlands’ qualification to Euro 2024?
“I believe that. When we made the trip to come and play in Greece, we knew how important it was. We tried hard to get the three points. We were lucky to score in the 90th minute. It was special. We can enjoy it.”
The truth is that the reaction of the Greeks to the goal was not the best possible. Do you have anything to comment on this?
“I didn’t like what happened at all. However, at the same time I understand that football also has these moments. There are feelings, many times you get away. But this shouldn’t happen. I’m happy because we won, that’s why I won’t pay too much attention to it!”
I would also like to ask you about Brighton, as I also write for WeAreBrighton.com. What is it like working with Roberto De Zerbi and what are your first impression of being in England with the Seagulls?
“It is a privilege for me to work with him. It has helped me and is helping me a lot. I have learned so much from him, I am very happy to be there. The team is great, the club is great, I have fantastic teammates. De Zerbi is excellent.”
What were your first thoughts when Brighton were interested in you?
“It was a dream come true for me. You saw what they did last year, they finished in the top six, they were in Europe for the first time in their history. I came to the team at a very special time for them. I was excited and I’m so happy to be back there after the Greece match.”
What are your personal goals for the current season, but also Brighton’s aspirations?
“Personally, I want to help the team as best as I can. Game by game. I do the same in training. As for Brighton, we want and aim to win every game, regardless of the opponent. We’ll see where that takes us over the course of the season.”
Dimitris Manakos @dimitris_manakos / England365.gr
