Peer Koopmeiners delays brotherly congratulations after AZ lose to Juventus

AZ captain Peer Koopmeiners was in no mood to congratulate his older brother Teun immediately after Juventus secured a 2-1 Europa League victory in Alkmaar. The siblings faced each other on Thursday evening, with Teun scoring the opening goal for the Italian side.

Peer had an excellent view of his brother’s finish and acknowledged the quality of the strike, which arrived with both pace and an awkward bounce. However, the disappointment of defeat remained too raw for family pleasantries. “Congratulations can wait until tomorrow,” he told De Telegraaf after briefly seeing Teun following the match.

AZ went into the interval 2-0 behind after struggling to match Juventus physically and creating little in the opening half. Peer felt the visitors showed the greater maturity and experience, while also making efficient use of their chances before the break.

The hosts improved after several substitutions and applied pressure during an eventful finish, but their response came too late to force an equaliser. Peer took some encouragement from the way AZ recovered after half-time, although he regretted that the deficit was not reduced sooner. He had hoped to meet Teun again inside the stadium, but expected the Juventus squad to leave quickly for the airport.