NEC Nijmegen 3-1 V-Varen Nagasaki: Dutch Side Impress in Pre-Season Friendly

NEC Nijmegen rounded off their pre-season preparations in style with a convincing 3-1 victory over Japanese visitors V-Varen Nagasaki on 15 July 2026. The match, played at the Goffertstadion, provided NEC with valuable match fitness and allowed manager Rogier Meijer to test his squad depth ahead of the upcoming Eredivisie campaign.

Match Overview

From the outset, NEC dominated possession and created the better chances, using their physicality and tactical discipline to overpower a V-Varen side that struggled to adapt to the European tempo. Despite a spirited second-half response from the J2 League outfit, NEC’s early control proved decisive, with goals in each half securing a comfortable win.

Key Moments

• 19th minute: NEC opened the scoring through winger Sontje Hansen, who cut inside from the right and fired a low shot into the far corner.
• 37th minute: The lead was doubled when midfielder Lasse Schöne curled a beautiful free-kick over the wall and into the top left corner.
• 51st minute: V-Varen Nagasaki pulled one back after a defensive mix-up allowed striker Juanma Delgado to poke home from six yards.
• 68th minute: NEC restored their two-goal cushion when substitute Pedro Marques headed home from a corner, finishing off a well-worked set piece.

Tactical Observations

NEC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, pressing intensely and using quick vertical passes to bypass V-Varen’s midfield. The Japanese side employed a 4-4-2 block but were often stretched, particularly in wide areas. NEC’s full-backs pushed high, creating overloads that yielded several crossing opportunities. V-Varen improved after the break when they moved to a 4-3-3 of their own, but lacked the final product.

Standout Performers

• Lasse Schöne (NEC): The veteran midfielder controlled the tempo from deep and capped his performance with a stunning free-kick.
• Juanma Delgado (V-Varen): The Spanish striker was a handful for NEC’s defence and took his goal well, but lacked support.
• Sontje Hansen (NEC): Lively and direct, his early goal set the tone and he caused problems all evening.

Context and Significance

The friendly forms part of NEC’s pre-season schedule, with the Eredivisie season set to kick off in early August. Manager Rogier Meijer highlighted the importance of these matches in building fitness and sharpening tactical patterns. For V-Varen Nagasaki, the match served as valuable European experience as they prepare for the second half of the J2 League season, where they sit in mid-table.