Zomer's odyssey keeps on running

An early summer holiday in northern Portugal would be welcome for any couple but a certain Mr and Mrs Zomer have had a sunshine break to remember.

Distinction
The proud parents of Daarleveen-born Netherlands centre-back Ramon Zomer have been enjoying the impressive local culture and cuisine while watching their 23-year-old son represent their country with distinction at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He more than made an impact in last night's 3-2 victory against France that took the Dutch through to Sunday's final, and not surprisingly his folks were the first on the phone as the Jong Oranje returned to the changing rooms.

Long journey
"They came with the car all the way from Holland to Portugal," Zomer said. "They have been having a nice holiday here for two weeks now. It took them two days to drive but they didn't want to miss it. They decided it was better to come by car because that would make it easier for them to go back whenever we were knocked out! Now my dad will have to stay for three days longer, which I am sure he is pleased about."

Strong support
Mr Zomer is not the only Dutchman left delighted. Zomer said his mobile phone has been red hot in recent days, with the number of messages multiplying by the minute. "We have had a lot of support, a big reaction in Holland. The last group game had two million people watching on television and there were even more for the semi-final. There has been a fantastic reception back home. It has been really great for all the players."

Key introduction
Zomer was introduced at half-time in Braga against France for an injured Demy de Zeeuw, with coach Foppe de Haan reflecting afterwards that the arrival of the imposing FC Twente player, along with defensive colleagues Ron Vlaar and Gijs Luirink, gave his side confidence because they were "three excellent headers of the ball". Although France forced their way back into the game, Zomer and company were able to stop the French surge and provide the platform for victory.

Porto finale
"I think if you see the whole match then we deserved it. They started strongly in the first five minutes with three or four chances to score but then we scored two great goals. They came back as we knew they would because it was always a difficult match. After 45 minutes, I had a feeling we would go on to win the game but it was not in the way I thought. Our fitness helped us in extra time. We kept going until the very end." As will Mr and Mrs Zomer, who will be among the proudest in Porto on Sunday.