Kampong wins thrilling opening game in final against Amsterdam

The match had everything: seven goals, three yellow cards and fierce matches where nobody gave an inch away. Kampong showed they were cooler at the right moments. Duco Telgenkamp seemed to force the decision with the 4-2 in the closing stages, but a late penalty stroke by Boris Burkhardt ensured a more bearable starting position for Amsterdam.

Kampong were already facing a deficit within a minute on their own pitch after a hit penalty corner by Boris Burkhardt. But just three minutes later it was level again after a somewhat lucky goal by Mats Marree. After half-time, the game really took off: Floris Middendorp first put the visitors 1-2 from a penalty corner, but then goals by Jip Janssen (penalty stroke) and Mats Gruter gave Utrecht the advantage: 3-2.

For the title holder, the form comes just at the right time. In the semifinals, Kampong already waltzed convincingly over Bloemendaal and the Utrechters showed their fighting spirit against Amsterdam as well. Thanks in part to Jip Janssen's scoring ability and the energy of the crowd - 4400 spectators - Kampong held on in a match that at times had South American features.

Next Thursday, Kampong gets the chance to prolong the title at Wagener Stadium. But with one goal difference, everything remains open, especially given Amsterdam's sharp play and their deadly corners. One thing is certain: the return also promises spectacle.