THE HAGUE, Feb. 29 (Xinhua) -- Feyenoord rallied past second-division team FC Groningen 2-1 to qualify for the final of the Dutch Cup on Thursday.

FC Groningen surprisingly had the best of the match in the first half against Feyenoord, ranked second in the Eredivisie, as Groningen midfielder Laros Duarte hit the post with a long-distance shot.

The visitors took the lead in the 31st minute, when a shot by Duarte was deflected by Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen into the net. FC Groningen led 1-0 at halftime in De Kuip stadium against a lackluster Feyenoord.

Feyenoord took control in the second half. David Hancko netted the equalizer in the 61st minute on a cross by Calvin Stengs. Seven minutes from time, substitute Ondrej Lingr handed Feyenoord the win from close range on a cross by another substitute, Luka Ivanusec.

Feyenoord qualified for the Dutch Cup final for the 19th time in club history, including the canceled final due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Feyenoord has won the Cup 13 times, with the last time in 2018.

NEC reached the Cup final for the fifth time on Tuesday with a 2-1 win after extra time at second-division side SC Cambuur. Having never won in the previous four occasions, the Eredivisie club from Nijmegen will take on Feyenoord in the final on April 21 in Rotterdam. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)