Goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr makes history with two penalties

AMSTERDAM: Goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr produced a remarkable late-game rescue act on Sunday, scoring twice from the penalty spot to help Dutch club Telstar avoid defeat against Cambuur in a dramatic 2-2 Eredivisie contest.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper, son of former Netherlands star defender and current national team coach Ronald Koeman, unexpectedly became the main attacking threat for Telstar when his side found itself under pressure.

Telstar had been reduced to 10 men after a player was sent off in the 22nd minute, leaving the hosts facing an uphill battle for much of the match.

Koeman Jr stepped forward in the 63rd minute to take Telstar’s first penalty. He calmly converted the spot-kick, giving his side renewed hope and demonstrating unusual composure for a goalkeeper.

However, the biggest twist came deep into stoppage time.

With Telstar still chasing an equaliser, Koeman Jr was handed another penalty opportunity in the 11th minute of added time. The goalkeeper kept his nerve once again, sending the ball into the net and completing an extraordinary comeback.

His second goal secured a 2-2 draw and earned Telstar a valuable point that appeared unlikely earlier in the match.

The performance also placed Koeman Jr in the Eredivisie record books. He became the first goalkeeper to score twice in a single Eredivisie match, turning what could have been a frustrating defeat into a memorable night.

It was not the first time Koeman Jr had played a crucial role from the penalty spot. In May, he also scored a penalty that helped Telstar avoid relegation, underlining his growing reputation as an unlikely match-winner.

For a goalkeeper, scoring even once is a rare achievement. Scoring twice in one league match—both from penalties—made Koeman Jr’s latest performance a story to remember.