Zaalman's joy at dramatic return

By Paul Saffer in Tirrenia

The undoubted story of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals was that of Melvin Zaalman.

Tournament over?
A hugely talented winger for the Netherlands, it seemed his personal campaign in Italy would be over before it even really began when he was withdrawn after suffering an ankle injury in their opening game against Croatia. The next day he was on crutches, and coach Ruud Kaiser then told uefa.com that he did not think Zaalman would play again in the tournament.

Quick recovery
Following that 2-2 draw with Croatia, the Dutch recovered from the loss of Zaalman to hold Switzerland and defeat Israel to qualify from Group B and earn a last-four tie with hosts Italy. Zaalman himself had been gradually recovering, and on the eve of the game was passed fit to sit on the bench.

Headed winner
It proved a tight game, and with the score goalless in the second half, Kaiser turned to Zaalman, just eight days after he was taken off against Croatia. The No7 certainly did not look like a man just back from injury as he tore into the Italian defence, and in the first period of extra time the little Sparta Rotterdam player stole away from his marker to head in Jordy Buijs's cross.

Kaiser delight
Although he soon hurt his ankle again and was taken off, Zaalman's header was the winner. Coach Kaiser exclaimed: "It was incredible that the smallest player on the pitch could jump high to score. He then said he couldn't sprint any more, but you should have seen him sprint after the game!"

Zaalman grateful
Zaalman himself was just grateful to have taken part. He told uefa.com: "I have to give all thanks to our physiotherapist, who helped me recover in time for this match and score the very important winning goal."

Tough week
Of course, it has been a tough week for the 16-year-old. "It was very hard, and I did not know if I would be fit for this match," Zaalman said. "But I worked very hard with our physiotherapist, and I was nearly completely healed today. I had a bit of pain in my ankle, but I said I wanted to play."

Last-minute decision
It was a last-minute decision in the end for him to take part on Wednesday. Zaalman revealed: "Tuesday evening the team doctor said I could play if necessary. So in the second half the coach decided to bring me on and see if I could create a goal."

Team spirit
Having come from 2-0 down in added time to hold Croatia, and fought back from falling behind in the win against Israel, the Dutch had shown their ability to win tough games well before meeting Italy, not to mention their dramatic late goals to beat Germany to qualification, and the vital equaliser against final opponents Turkey that ensured the Dutch squeaked into the Elite round.

'Sharp as knives'
"We have a good team, we always work hard for each other," Zaalman said. "We have proved that we can play until the final minute and still score, and be as sharp as knives to make goals if necessary."

Final showpiece
So finally on Saturday it is Turkey again, just as it was on 23 October. After securing the Netherlands' place in the Pontedera showpiece, Zaalman said: "I am very glad, I hope that we are going to win - and I hope I can play."