Thomas Didillon-Hödl seals Willem II Eredivisie return

Willem II secured promotion to the Eredivisie after goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hödl converted the decisive penalty in a tense two-legged playoff against FC Volendam.

Didillon-Hödl described his winning moment as straightforward, recalling a successful penalty in training the previous day. He reflected on his newborn daughter, born a week earlier, stating football remains "just a game." The keeper emphasized the team’s hard work overcoming adversity over the season.

Trainer John Stegeman expressed emotional relief after his side’s promotion. One year after losing his father, Stegeman dedicated the achievement to his late parent, calling him the family’s biggest fan. He praised the squad’s resilience, highlighting 46 matches played amid extensive injuries.

FC Volendam manager Rick Kruys described the defeat as disbelief and emptiness. Volendam had led the first leg 2-1, but Kruys questioned their collapse, particularly conceding two early goals. He acknowledged Volendam’s fitness and quality but noted football’s reliance on key moments.

Robert Mühren ended his career with disappointment after his potential equalizing goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up. The striker called the decision obvious and criticized his team’s poor start in the final match of the season, despite later creating chances.

Mühren admitted Volendam’s early mistakes cost them the playoff, describing it as incomprehensible to begin the decisive game so poorly. He acknowledged their resilience afterward but conceded it wasn’t enough to force a comeback.