NEC Nijmegen made a stunning statement on the opening weekend of the Eredivisie season, dismantling Willem II 4-1 at the Koning Willem II Stadion. The away side were ruthless on the counter, clinically punishing a disjointed Willem II defence and showing they could be one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in the Dutch top flight this term.

Match Overview

The match exploded into life inside the first ten minutes. NEC pressed high, forced an error deep in Willem II's half, and Koki Ogawa gave his team the perfect start with a neat finish past the goalkeeper. The early goal set the tone for an open, end-to-end contest, but it was the visitors who always looked more composed and dangerous in the final third.

Willem II briefly threatened an equaliser and did find a route back into the game just before the half-hour mark, only to be denied by the offside flag. Within minutes, NEC struck again: Lars Olden Larsen doubled the lead with a curling effort from the edge of the box. The home side's confidence visibly dipped, and NEC sensed blood before halftime.

Two further goals in the second half sealed the result, with substitute Sontje Hansen adding a fourth after Willem II had pulled one back from a corner. It was a ruthless away performance, and the travelling NEC supporters left the stadium in full voice.

Key Moments

• 8' – NEC 1-0: Koki Ogawa is picked out by a perfectly weighted through ball and dinks the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
• 34' – NEC 2-0: Lars Olden Larsen cuts inside from the left side and bends an unstoppable shot into the far corner from 20 yards.
• 56' – Willem II 1-2: The home side pull one back through a scrappy finish from close range after a corner was not properly cleared.
• 71' – NEC 3-1: A quick counter-attack releases Ogawa, who calmly slots his second of the match to restore the away side's two-goal cushion.
• 84' – NEC 4-1: Substitute Sontje Hansen completes the rout, latching onto a rebound and firing home from a tight angle.

Tactical Story

NEC set up to soak pressure and hit Willem II with devastating pace on the break. Their midfield triangle, led by Philipp Rommens and Dirk Proper, consistently won the second ball and immediately looked forward. The front three of Olden Larsen, Ogawa, and the left winger stretched the home defence, creating huge spaces between Willem II's centre-backs.

Willem II, by contrast, lacked rhythm in possession. They attempted to build through short passes but were pressed aggressively in midfield, leading to repeated turnovers. When they tried to go long, NEC's central defenders dominated the aerial duels. The late consolation goal was the only bright moment from a home perspective.

Standout Performers

• Koki Ogawa – Two clinical finishes and tireless movement off the ball. The Japanese striker proved his worth as one of the Eredivisie's most reliable goalscorers.
• Lars Olden Larsen – Scored one goal and assisted another, constantly drifting into space between the lines.
• Dirk Proper – Bossed the midfield with his range of passing, covering every blade of grass and setting up multiple attacks.

What It Means

This result put NEC at the top of the early Eredivisie standings on goal difference, a position that gives them a psychological boost ahead of a challenging run. For Willem II, the heavy defeat is a wake-up call. Their defensive frailties were exposed, and manager plans will need immediate adjustment before they travel again.

The performance will make the rest of the division take notice: NEC Nijmegen are not just aiming for mid-table safety – they are aiming much higher.