16 January 2025 at 17:45
Match Summary
Heracles defeated De Graafschap 2:0. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2024. Goals were scored by T. Bruns 13′, S. Podgoreanu 67′. 5 yellow cards were shown. De Graafschap had 48% possession while Heracles held 52%. De Graafschap had 8 shots (1 on target) compared to 12 (2 on target) for Heracles. De Graafschap made 5 substitutions, Heracles made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between De Graafschap and Heracles — 2 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. Engels
Match Statistics
De Graafschap had 48% possession against Heracles's 52%. De Graafschap registered 8 shots (1 on target) while Heracles managed 12 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 2–9. Fouls committed: 9–16.
Lineups
De Graafschap lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under M. Dijkhuizen, while Heracles deployed a 4-2-3-1 under E. van de Looi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for De Graafschap is 6.80, compared to 7.14 for Heracles. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. De Graafschap's highest-rated starter is I. El Kadiri (7.50), while Heracles's best-rated player is T. Bruns (8.20).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of De Graafschap have contributed 0 goals and 0 assists this season, led by —. Heracles's starters account for 2 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by T. Bruns (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
De Graafschap deploy 4 defenders rated 6.60 on average, against Heracles's 4-man backline averaging 6.72. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
De Graafschap field 4 midfielders averaging 7.00, versus Heracles's 5 rated 7.17. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
De Graafschap start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Heracles averaging 7.90. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 84% for De Graafschap and 83% for Heracles. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
De Graafschap's starters have collected 1 yellow cards this season, compared to 1 for Heracles. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of De Graafschap's starting XI is 22.3 (youngest: R. Besselink (21), oldest: A. van der Heide (24)), while Heracles average 26.8 (youngest: I. Mesík (24), oldest: T. Bruns (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
De Graafschap's starters average 1 league appearances each, versus 2 for Heracles. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: M. Dijkhuizen
Substitutes
Coach: E. van de Looi
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, De Graafschap have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Heracles show 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
De Graafschap
Heracles
De Graafschap vs Heracles Head to Head Results
De Graafschap and Heracles have met 12 times — De Graafschap won 2, Heracles won 8, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. Heracles leads the head-to-head with 8 victories from 12 meetings. A combined 40 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.33 per match (15 for the home side, 25 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 7 matches (58%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 7 games (58%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–3 in 2023.
2
De Graafschap
2
Drawn
8
Heracles
Recent Meetings (12)
API data: 16 Apr 2026