FC Eindhoven vs Den Bosch

There was no single decisive moment in a game that lacked a goal. The most pivotal phase came after the mass substitutions at half-time. Den Bosch's entirely new XI shifted the balance of play, creating three clear chances inside the first 15 minutes of the second half. Fancito's double save — first from Hoffman, then from Monzialo — kept the game level and meant the home side's early dominance was not punished.

Nino Fancito (FC Eindhoven) — The substitute goalkeeper entered at half-time and made three important saves, including a sharp stop from Monzialo's curling effort and a quick reaction to Wolters' close-range shot. Deserves credit for preserving the clean sheet.

Pepijn van de Merbel (Den Bosch) — Den Bosch's first-half keeper was alert to deny Eksi's long-range strike and dealt confidently with crosses, keeping his side in the game during Eindhoven's strongest spell.

Mika de Jonge (FC Eindhoven) — The most active attacker on the pitch in the first half, creating two shooting opportunities and linking well with Bryson and Muller. Final product was missing but his movement caused problems.

Jort Borgmans (FC Eindhoven) — Made a fine one-handed save from Sillé's shot in the first half and was composed throughout his 45 minutes between the posts.

The 0-0 scoreline undersells the attacking intent. Both sides combined for a significant number of attempts — Eindhoven's first-half pressure (Eksi, De Jonge, Muller all going close) and Den Bosch's second-half dominance (Hoffman, Monzialo, Wolters, Amghar) meant the game was open rather than cagey. The three yellow cards, all in the second half, reflect the competitiveness of a pre-season friendly that never looked like a training exercise. The absence of goals is best read as a finishing issue on both sides rather than a lack of creative play.

This was a pre-season friendly for both clubs, forming part of FC Eindhoven's Fan Day event. A minute's silence was held before kick-off for former club doctor Ruud Coumans and referee Rob Dieperink, both of whom had recently passed away (fc-eindhoven.nl).

FC Eindhoven's pre-season record now reads: three wins, three draws from their six friendlies to date. Their next match is a behind-closed-doors friendly against Jong KRC Genk in Belgium, followed by the Lichtstadderby against PSV at the Philips Stadion on 28 July 2026.

Den Bosch had won their two previous friendlies (8-0 against a regional team and 3-1 against Quick Boys) before this goalless draw. Their next pre-season fixture has not been announced at the time of writing.

A lively friendly that deserved at least one goal. Both coaches will be satisfied with the intensity and chances created, but concerned about the lack of finishing. Fancito's cameo off the bench was the standout individual performance, and the clean sheet will please Jan Poortvliet as FC Eindhoven build towards the new Keuken Kampioen Divisie season.