Michiel Kramer scores fifth goal in three games for Waalwijk despite failing to pick up points against Go Ahead Eagles

Wednesday night’s Eredivisie action saw Go Ahead Eagles take on Waalwijk at de Adelaarshorst. The five-goal-thriller ended 3-2 to Go Ahead Eagles who picked up their second victory in five games to steer further away from the drop zone. Swedish striker Isac Lidberg knocked in a 95th-minute winner to steal the spotlight from Waalwijk’s Michiel Kramer.

Despite the defeat, 34-year-old Kramer continued his fine form scoring both goals for Waalwijk, taking his tally to 12 goals in 22 Eredivisie appearances this season. On Saturday, Kramer bagged a brace against FC Groningen, helping his side to a 2-1 victory. Just four days later, two more goals have made him the leagues joint fourth-highest goal scorer. 

Standing at 6ft 4 inches tall, Michiel Kramer is the sort of striker you’d expect would score most of his goals from inside the penalty area. Getting his head on the end of crosses, tapping the ball in from close range, that’s his speciality. Well, his first goal against Go Ahead Eagles came in a completely different style. Within eight minutes from kick-off, Waalwijk goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen launched the ball upfield to Kramer, who controlled the ball in the centre circle. Kramer played a quick one-two pass to his strike partner Mats Seuntjens before blasting the ball from 40 yards out. To everyone’s surprise, the ball looped over Jeffrey De Lange in the Go Ahead Eagles goal before bulging in the back of the net. 

Kramer’s second goal of the evening was just like what we’re used to seeing from the former Feyenoord and ADO Den Haag striker. A few dodgy deflections in the penalty area found the feet of Kramer who made no mistake finishing from five yards out. 

Go Ahead Eagles’ late winner means Waalwijk remain 8th in the Eredivisie on 38 points. Joseph Oosting’s side are still in contention for a place in the Europa Conference League play-offs. With five games remaining and Michiel Kramer in fine form, Waalwijk could be on course for their joint highest-ever Eredivisie finish (7th place).

GBeNeFN Hugo Hargreaves

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