FC Volendam thrashed Groningen’s reserves 4-0 on Friday afternoon in a pre-season friendly at VV Gieten’s sportpark. Dick Lukkien’s side dominated the match, with Henk Veerman starting up front and Daan Bisschops, Robin van Cruijsen and Tiago Codinha finding the net for the hosts.
What happened in the match?
Groningen’s youth-heavy lineup started brightly but fell behind early when Nordin Bukala converted a corner to put the visitors ahead. The visitors struggled to create clear chances, and Oskar Zawada missed the best opportunity before half-time when his shot clipped the post. After the break, Lukkien brought on Rijk Janse for Lovro Stubljar, but Volendam quickly pulled away with goals from Bisschops, Van Cruijsen and Codinha. Veerman, starting his first pre-season game, led the line with composure and movement.
Why does this win matter for FC Volendam?
The emphatic victory is a statement from a Volendam side desperate to bounce straight back to the Eredivisie after last season’s relegation. The performance against a Groningen reserve side-Groningen’s biggest defeat of their pre-season-shows depth in the squad and tactical cohesion under Lukkien. With Veerman leading the line and young talents stepping up, the club’s ambitions for an immediate return look credible.
What’s next for Volendam?
Volendam closes pre-season on a high, sitting 14th in the Eredivisie with 28 points from 30 games and a -19 goal difference. Though 46 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, the momentum from this win should carry into the new campaign. The next test comes Saturday 25 July against Volos NFC in Veendam, followed by a trip to Real Valladolid on 1 August in Euroborg. The club will hope these results set the tone for a competitive Eredivisie return.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 14th in Eredivisie, 28 pts, 7W-7D-16L from 30 games, recent form LDLLL.
