ZV De Zaan made history by becoming the first Dutch club to capture the women’s Euro Cup title after a spectacular 14-7 victory over Italy’s Pallanuoto Trieste in Amsterdam. The decisive second-leg win at a vibrant Sloterparkbad arena sealed an emphatic 24-16 aggregate victory for the Dutch champions.
De Zaan’s players erupted in joy as captain Lieke Rogge proudly lifted the Euro Cup trophy, cheered on by an ecstatic home crowd. It was a moment of pure jubilation, marking an incredible milestone for Dutch women’s water polo.
Head coach Mick van den Bree expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, saying, “Today was magnificent. To produce such a quality display in a final, in front of our own fans, is extraordinary. We executed our game plan perfectly, utilizing our speed in counter-attacks and effectively converting our six-on-five opportunities.”
From the outset, De Zaan displayed their attacking intent, opening the scoring through Maartje Van Rijn’s delicate lob following a swift counterattack. Trieste responded strongly, equalizing through a well-executed six-on-five opportunity. The opening quarter was action-packed, with De Zaan edging ahead 3-2 courtesy of Nerida Drewes’ last-second strike.
In a tense second quarter, goalkeeper Britt van den Dobbelsteen was instrumental, making crucial saves to maintain De Zaan’s slender lead. Goals from captain Lieke Rogge’s penalty and a quick brace from Maud Koopman extended their advantage, although Trieste kept themselves within touching distance at halftime, trailing just 6-5.
The third quarter proved decisive. De Zaan dominated play, denying Trieste repeatedly and converting their own opportunities clinically. Drewes continued her influential role, scoring again during a pivotal moment to stretch the lead. Trieste struggled for composure under pressure, committing several turnovers. Lieke Rogge capitalized spectacularly, launching an unstoppable shot past Trieste’s goalkeeper, Fabiana Sparano, for an 8-5 lead.
The momentum had clearly shifted, and De Zaan seized full advantage, scoring three more unanswered goals through Van Rijn, Bente Rogge, and Drewes again. By the end of the quarter, with the scoreboard showing 11-5, the atmosphere at Sloterparkbad turned euphoric, as fans sensed that victory was within reach.
With an insurmountable lead, the final quarter was a showcase for De Zaan’s attacking prowess. Takyiwa Maria Sam dazzled with two further strikes, taking her total for the evening to four goals. Trieste managed late consolation goals from Veronica Gant and Jelena Vukovic, but their hopes of silverware had long vanished.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations in the pool and stands alike, as De Zaan’s players embraced their supporters in triumph. Coach van den Bree praised the resilience of his team, highlighting their patience and composure as critical factors behind their historic victory.
“Trieste fought hard, especially early on, but we maintained our discipline,” van den Bree concluded. “We took control in the second half, and I’m incredibly proud of our players for achieving something so special for our club and Dutch water polo.”
Trieste, meanwhile, faced disappointment yet again, finishing runners-up for the second consecutive year. Despite their spirited efforts and moments of promise, they couldn’t match De Zaan’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience.
This unforgettable night belonged entirely to De Zaan, whose remarkable journey to a perfect 10 wins from 10 matches in this year’s competition concluded with European glory. Their historic triumph in Amsterdam will live long in the memory of Dutch water polo enthusiasts.
Fans wishing to relive the thrilling encounter can watch a replay of the Euro Cup Women final on www.euroaquaticstv.com.