the ball really has a disadvantage. Then you can start all over again. If you introduce the self pass you can continue playing. The opponent will think twice before making an offense. You at least have fi ve meters advantage before anyone can do something again. I have talked to Johan Cruyff about this. He agreed and considered it a real improvement in hockey.” Abuse Teun de Nooijer during a team speech with Bloemendaal. He is less enthusiastic about the video referee. “In terms of fairness I am totally for it, but the implementation is still not perfect. Sometimes teams, when under pressure, use it to distort the rhythm of the match, in order to get the opponent out of his fl ow. But to be honest, I have abused it once too. Champions Trophy 2010, the fi rst tournament of coach Paul van Ass, we are ahead against Germany in the fi nal stage. Penalty corner for us, in the direction of the goal, not over the line, I had a perfect view. Those Germans stepped out storming towards our goal. I asked for a video. I knew that ball wasn’t out, but the counter was easily stopped. Those Germans looked at me and knew what I was doing, but couldn’t do anything. I recognised that feeling, because it has also happened to us. Of course it wasn’t a goal, but the counter was stopped. This kind of abuse should be phased out, but I don’t know how.” It still isn’t certain whether Teun de Nooijer is going to his fi fth Olympic tournament. Even he might not have made it in when the fi nal selection is announced. But the meeting with Van Ass was a good one. It ended the way this exceptional hockey player is entitled to. When you are this composed in good times and in bad, you’re worth gold for each team. • 73 20 07 20 12 Pagina 72
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