Zechiël stars in Feyenoord win but rues missed chance against NEC

Gjivai Zechiël scored once and supplied two assists as Feyenoord earned a 3-1 away victory over NEC on Saturday. Despite playing a direct part in all three goals in Nijmegen, the midfielder’s post-match assessment focused heavily on a chance he failed to convert shortly after half-time.

Zechiël advanced from inside his own half but pushed the ball too far ahead, allowing NEC goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz to intervene. He was scathing about his execution afterwards, describing the moment as “just bizarre” in comments to ESPN reported by FCUpdate. The midfielder said such a heavy touch should not happen, even after an otherwise decisive performance.

There was also no doubt in Zechiël’s mind that Feyenoord’s disputed goal belonged to him, despite a defender making contact with the ball. He argued that his touch changed its direction towards goal and therefore warranted the credit. More broadly, he expressed gratitude for another opportunity to show himself and took satisfaction from Feyenoord’s collective display.

However, Zechiël identified the closing stages as an area for improvement, saying Feyenoord’s next step must be to retain control through the final ten minutes. He also addressed Anis Hadj Moussa’s omission from the squad after the winger was twice late. Zechiël said the players quickly returned their attention to the match and stressed that “nobody is above the team,” with any further developments to be addressed in the coming week.