View source for 2015 KNVB Cup final

{{short description|Association football match between PEC Zwolle and FC Groningen}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox football match
| title        = 2015 KNVB Cup final
| image        = Rotterdam feyenoord stadion 1.jpg
| caption      = The final was held at [[De Kuip]] ''(pictured in 2008)''.
| alt          = Exterior of De Kuip
| event        = [[2014–15 KNVB Cup|2014–15 KNVB Cup final]]
| team1        = [[PEC Zwolle]]
| team1score   = 0
| team2        = [[FC Groningen]]
| team2score   = 2
| date         = 3 May 2015
| stadium      = [[De Kuip]]
| city         = [[Rotterdam]]
| referee      = {{ill|Richard Liesveld|nl}}
| attendance   = 46,193
| previous     = [[2014 KNVB Cup Final|2014]]
| next         = [[2016 KNVB Cup Final|2016]]
}}
The '''2015 KNVB Cup final''' was an [[association football]] match between [[PEC Zwolle]] and [[FC Groningen]] on 3 May 2015 at [[De Kuip]], [[Rotterdam]]. It was the final match of the [[2014–15 KNVB Cup]], the 97th edition of the Dutch [[Single-elimination tournament|cup competition]], the [[KNVB Cup]].

PEC were appearing in their fourth KNVB Cup final and were the defending champions, having won the trophy for the first time the [[2014 KNVB Cup final|previous year]] by defeating [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] 5–1. Groningen had reached the final of the competition once before, losing to [[PSV Eindhoven]] in [[1988–89 KNVB Cup#Final|1989]]. PEC and Groningen each entered the competition in the second round and progressed through five rounds to reach the final. PEC won after [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]] in the quarter-final, proceeding to the semi-final of the KNVB Cup for the third consecutive year, where they were victorious in a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] to reach the final. After defeating amateur clubs in the second and third rounds, Groningen eliminated three [[Professionalism in association football|professional]] sides from the competition by a three-goal difference or more. En route to the final, Groningen scored 22 goals, the most of all teams during the cup season.

PEC were considered the slight favourites to win the final by the [[bookmaker]]s; the predictions of experts were mixed. Watched by a crowd of 46,193, the first half was goalless as both sides struggled to create scoring chances. In the 64th minute, [[Albert Rusnák (footballer, born 1994)|Albert Rusnák]] put Groningen 1–0 in front after his shot was deflected off PEC's [[Joost Broerse]] into the net. Around ten minutes later, Rusnák netted his second to double Groningen's lead. The [[Assist (association football)|assist]] for the goal came from [[Jarchinio Antonia]], who was [[Substitute (association football)|substituted on]] during the second half. Groningen held on to their 2–0 lead to claim the KNVB Cup, the club's first [[Football records and statistics in the Netherlands|major honour]]. [[Maikel Kieftenbeld]], the Groningen [[Captain (association football)|captain]], praised the collective effort from the team. By winning the KNVB Cup, Groningen qualified for the [[2015 Johan Cruyff Shield]] and the [[2015–16 UEFA Europa League]] group stage.

==Route to the final==
===PEC Zwolle===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right"
<!-- |+ '''PEC Zwolle''' -->
!width="25" | Round
!width="90" | Opposition
!width="50" | Score
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | 2nd
| [[TOP Oss|FC Oss]] (h)
| 3–2
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | 3rd
| [[HHC Hardenberg]] (h)
| 6–1
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | 4th
| [[VVV-Venlo]] ([[De Koel|a]])
| 1–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | Quarter-final
| [[SC Cambuur]] ([[Cambuur Stadion|a]])
| 3–2 ([[Overtime (sports)#Association football|a.e.t.]])
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | Semi-final
| [[FC Twente]] ([[De Grolsch Veste|a]])
| 1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–2 [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|p]])
|-
| colspan="3" style="background-color:white;"| <small>'''Key:''' (h) = Home venue; (a) = Away venue; a.e.t. = after [[Overtime (sports)#Association football|extra time]]; p = [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]]</small>
|}
As a [[Professionalism in association football|professional]] side, defending [[KNVB Cup]] champions [[PEC Zwolle]] began their campaign for the [[2014–15 KNVB Cup]] in the second round in September 2014.<ref name=KNVB3Jul>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2014 |title=Loting eerste en tweede ronde KNVB beker |trans-title=Draw first and second round KNVB Cup |url=https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/35482/loting-eerste-en-tweede-ronde-knvb-beker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924045721/https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/35482/loting-eerste-en-tweede-ronde-knvb-beker |archive-date=24 September 2014 |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |language=nl}}</ref> They were drawn against [[TOP Oss|FC Oss]] of the [[Eerste Divisie]], meeting in Zwolle. PEC narrowly defeated the visitors 3–2 with goals from [[Jesper Drost]] (2) and [[Tomáš Necid]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 September 2014 |title=Titelverdediger PEC Zwolle met moeite langs FC Oss in KNVB-beker |trans-title=Defending champions PEC Zwolle narrowly defeat FC Oss in KNVB Cup |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/199099/titelverdediger-pec-zwolle-met-moeite-langs-fc-oss-in-knvb-beker |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Oost |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901141753/https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/199099/titelverdediger-pec-zwolle-met-moeite-langs-fc-oss-in-knvb-beker}}</ref> In the third round PEC met local amateur club [[HHC Hardenberg]] at [[MAC³PARK Stadion|IJsseldelta Stadion]], PEC's home ground. Van Hezel of HHC [[Header (association football)|headed]] against the crossbar before PEC midfielder [[Thomas Lam]] put the home side 1–0 in front. Lam added two more in the first half to complete a [[hat-trick]]. HHC found the back of the PEC net before [[Thanasis Karagounis]] put PEC 4–1 up before [[half-time]]. In the second half [[Bart van Hintum]] added a fifth goal for PEC, scoring from a [[Free kick (association football)|free-kick]], before [[Ben Rienstra]] put the ball in the top corner of the HHC goal, with PEC winning the match 6–1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2014 |title=PEC Zwolle verslaat HHC Hardenberg en staat in achtste finales KNVB-beker |trans-title=PEC Zwolle defeat HHC Hardenberg and are in the fourth round of the KNVB Cup |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/202192/pec-zwolle-verslaat-hhc-hardenberg-en-staat-in-achtste-finales-knvb-beker |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Oost |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901141753/https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/202192/pec-zwolle-verslaat-hhc-hardenberg-en-staat-in-achtste-finales-knvb-beker}}</ref> [[VVV-Venlo]] were PEC's opponents in the fourth round, meeting in [[Venlo]]. Necid put PEC 1–0 ahead early in the first half after converting a [[Cross (association football)|cross]] from Van Hintum. In the closing minutes of the match, VVV had a goal disallowed after [[Warner Hahn]], PEC's [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]], was [[Fouls and misconduct (association football)|fouled]]. PEC held on and progressed to the quarter-final.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 December 2014 |title=Bekerblog: Cambuur en PEC naar kwartfinales |trans-title=Cup blog: Cambuur and PEC to quarter-final |url=https://nos.nl/liveblog/2009310-bekerblog-cambuur-en-pec-naar-kwartfinales |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901141749/https://nos.nl/liveblog/2009310-bekerblog-cambuur-en-pec-naar-kwartfinales}}</ref> None of the "[[Big Three (Netherlands)|Big Three]]" teams—[[AFC Ajax|Ajax]], [[Feyenoord]] and [[PSV Eindhoven]]—reached the quarter-final; it was only the sixth time this had happened since 1956 and the first time since [[2008–09 KNVB Cup|2008–09]].<ref name=RSSSF9May>{{Cite web |last=Stokkermans |first=Karel |date=9 May 2019 |title=Netherlands 2014/15 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/ned2015.html |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RSSSF |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901141751/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/ned2015.html}}</ref>

In the quarter-final, PEC were drawn away against [[SC Cambuur|Cambuur]], a fellow side from the [[Eredivisie]], the [[Dutch football league system|top tier of Dutch football]].<ref name=RSSSF9May /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tweede Divisie |trans-title=Second Division |url=https://www.knvb.com/dutch-football/mens-football/tweede-divisie |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241024083243/https://www.knvb.com/dutch-football/mens-football/tweede-divisie |archive-date=24 October 2024 |access-date=24 October 2024 |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association}}</ref> Lam scored the opening goal with a header, his fourth goal of the cup season. Hahn made a string of saves during the first half to preserve PEC's lead. Early in the second half [[Ryan Thomas (footballer)|Ryan Thomas]] doubled PEC's lead from outside the [[penalty area]], before former PEC player [[Furdjel Narsingh]] scored twice in five minutes for Cambuur to bring the score level. The match went to [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]], where [[Jody Lukoki]] netted a third goal for the visitors. PEC held on and proceeded to the semi-final of the KNVB Cup for the third consecutive year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2015 |title=PEC Zwolle naar halve finales KNVB-beker na winst in verlenging bij SC Cambuur |trans-title=PEC Zwolle to KNVB Cup semi-final after winning in extra time at SC Cambuur |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/209405/pec-zwolle-naar-halve-finales-knvb-beker-na-winst-in-verlenging-bij-sc-cambuur |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Oost |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901141753/https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/209405/pec-zwolle-naar-halve-finales-knvb-beker-na-winst-in-verlenging-bij-sc-cambuur}}</ref> The win marked PEC coach [[Ron Jans]]'s tenth win in ten cup matches while at the club.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2023 |title=Ron Jans hoopt op droomfinale tegen oude club FC Groningen |trans-title=Ron Jans hopes to have a dream final against former club FC Groningen |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/209420/ron-jans-hoopt-op-droomfinale-tegen-oude-club-fc-groningen |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Oost |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142313/https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/209420/ron-jans-hoopt-op-droomfinale-tegen-oude-club-fc-groningen}}</ref> PEC were paired with [[FC Twente|Twente]] in the semi-final, with the match held at Twente's [[De Grolsch Veste]]. It was the seventh time the two sides met in the KNVB Cup, with Twente winning all previous meetings, including the [[1976–77 KNVB Cup#Final|1977 final]]. Twente had also never lost an official match against PEC at home.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 April 2015 |title=Necid schiet PEC naar finale KNVB-beker |trans-title=Necid shoots PEC to final of KNVB Cup |url=https://nos.nl/liveblog/2029029-necid-schiet-pec-naar-finale-knvb-beker |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142306/https://nos.nl/liveblog/2029029-necid-schiet-pec-naar-finale-knvb-beker}}</ref> Former Twente player [[Wout Brama]] put PEC 1–0 ahead in the 82nd minute before Twente equalised five minutes later. The game went to extra time, where neither side scored. PEC won the [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] 4–2 with Czech [[Forward (association football)|forward]] Necid scoring the winner with a [[Panenka (penalty kick)|Panenka penalty kick]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 April 2015 |title=PEC Zwolle in tweede bekerfinale op rij na strafschoppen tegen FC Twente |trans-title=PEC Zwolle in second Cup final in a row after penalties against FC Twente |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/215083/pec-zwolle-in-tweede-bekerfinale-op-rij-na-strafschoppen-tegen-fc-twente |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Oost |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142306/https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/215083/pec-zwolle-in-tweede-bekerfinale-op-rij-na-strafschoppen-tegen-fc-twente}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2015 |title=Road to the final: PEC Zwolle |url=https://www.elfvoetbal.nl/Binnenland/31974/road-to-the-final-pec-zwolle |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=ELF Voetbal |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142309/https://www.elfvoetbal.nl/Binnenland/31974/road-to-the-final-pec-zwolle}}</ref>

===FC Groningen===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:right"
<!-- |+ '''FC Groningen''' -->
!width="25" | Round
!width="90" | Opposition
!width="50" | Score
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | 2nd
| [[BVV Barendrecht]] (a)
| 4–1
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | 3rd
| [[Flevo Boys]] (a)
| 8–1
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | 4th
| [[FC Volendam]] (h)
| 3–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | Quarter-final
| [[SBV Vitesse]] (h)
| 4–0
|-
!scope=row style="text-align:center" | Semi-final
| [[Excelsior Rotterdam]] (h)
| 3–0
|-
| colspan="3" style="background-color:white;"| <small>'''Key:''' (h) = Home venue; (a) = Away venue</small>
|}
[[FC Groningen|Groningen]] also entered the 2014–15 KNVB Cup in the second round, where they faced amateur club [[BVV Barendrecht|Barendrecht]].<ref name=KNVB3Jul /> The game was played in [[Barendrecht]]; Groningen won 4–1 with goals from [[Danny Hoesen]], [[Michael de Leeuw]], [[Nick van der Velden]] and [[Jarchinio Antonia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baas |first=Elwin |date=24 September 2014 |title=Liveblog: Barendrecht – FC Groningen 1–4 Gesloten |trans-title=Liveblog: Barendrecht – FC Groningen 1–4 Closed |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/139075/liveblog-barendrecht-fc-groningen-1-4-gesloten |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829143750/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/139075/liveblog-barendrecht-fc-groningen-1-4-gesloten}}</ref> Groningen were again drawn against an amateur club in the following round, meeting [[Flevo Boys]] away. Groningen proceeded to the fourth round with an 8–1 victory, with Hoesen, [[Yoell van Nieff|Yoëll van Nieff]], De Leeuw (4), [[Dino Islamović]] and [[Johan Kappelhof]] scoring.<ref name=DvhN30Oct>Mennega, Jan (30 October 2014). "Hattrick Michael de Leeuw in vijf minuten". [Hattrick Michael de Leeuw in five minutes] (in Dutch). ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. p. 40.</ref> De Leeuw scored a hat-trick in five minutes, and Groningen recorded their tied-biggest away win in the club's history.<ref name=DvhN30Oct /><ref name=RTVNoord14Jun>{{Cite web |last=Minnema |first=Egbert |date=14 June 2021 |title=De FC-historie in cijfers: 1991–2001, degradatie en veel trainerswisselingen |trans-title=FC's history in numbers: 1991–2001, relegation and many head coach changes |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/825259/de-fc-historie-in-cijfers-1991-2001-degradatie-en-veel-trainerswisselingen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904193838/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/825259/de-fc-historie-in-cijfers-1991-2001-degradatie-en-veel-trainerswisselingen |archive-date=4 September 2021 |access-date=4 September 2021 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl}}</ref> In the fourth round they were drawn against Eerste Divisie side [[FC Volendam|Volendam]], with the match held at [[Euroborg]], Groningen's home ground.<ref>Masker, Wim (16 December 2014). "FC Volendam niet te onderschatten horde". [FC Volendam hurdle not to be underestimated] (in Dutch). ''Groninger Gezinsbode''. p. 17.</ref> [[Mimoun Mahi]] put Groningen 1–0 ahead shortly before half-time, Van der Velden converted a [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty kick]] halfway through the second half and De Leeuw scored Groningen's third shortly before [[Full-time (sports)|full-time]]. The club proceeded to the quarter-final with a 3–0 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2014 |title=FC Groningen bij laatste acht na zege op FC Volendam |trans-title=FC Groningen in the last eight after victory against FC Volendam |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/fc-groningen-bij-laatste-acht-na-zege-op-fc-volendam |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=Voetbal International |language=nl |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829143749/https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/fc-groningen-bij-laatste-acht-na-zege-op-fc-volendam}}</ref>

Groningen faced fellow Eredivisie side [[SBV Vitesse|Vitesse]] at home in the quarter-final.<ref name=RSSSF9May /> The visitors dominated during the first hour, but it remained goalless. Around the 60th minute, De Leeuw's header was saved by Vitesse defender [[Guram Kashia]] on the goalline, using his hand. Kashia was [[Sent off (association football)|sent off]], and Groningen were awarded a penalty kick. De Leeuw's shot was saved but [[Tjaronn Chery]] scored from the rebound. De Leeuw doubled the score five minutes later before Van Nieff added a third for Groningen; he passed two Vitesse defenders and put the ball in the top corner. [[Maikel Kieftenbeld]] scored the fourth goal with a [[Volley (association football)|volley]]. Groningen defeated Vitesse 4–0 and progressed to the semi-final of the competition for the first time since [[1988–89 KNVB Cup|1988–89]].<ref>Mennega, Jan (29 January 2015). "Excelsior laatste hindernis tot de finale". [Excelsior last hurdle to the final] (in Dutch). ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. p. 34.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2015 |title=Groningen stap dichter bij de Kuip |trans-title=Groningen a step closer to De Kuip |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/144469/groningen-stap-dichter-bij-de-kuip |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829143751/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/144469/groningen-stap-dichter-bij-de-kuip}}</ref> Played at Euroborg before a sold-out crowd,<ref name=RTVNoord8Apr>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2015 |title=FC Groningen staat in bekerfinale |trans-title=FC Groningen are in the Cup final |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/147533/fc-groningen-staat-in-bekerfinale |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829143751/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/147533/fc-groningen-staat-in-bekerfinale}}</ref> Groningen hosted Eredivisie club [[Excelsior Rotterdam|Excelsior]], who made their first appearance in a KNVB Cup semi-final since [[1977–78 KNVB Cup|1977–78]].<ref name=RSSSF9May /><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2015 |title=Euroborg viert finaleplaats Groningen |trans-title=Euroborg celebrates Groningen's place in the final |url=https://nos.nl/liveblog/2029213-euroborg-viert-finaleplaats-groningen |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829143749/https://nos.nl/liveblog/2029213-euroborg-viert-finaleplaats-groningen}}</ref> Groningen were without De Leeuw, who was ill, and [[Eric Botteghin]], who was suspended. Excelsior were the better side during the opening stages of the game, but it remained goalless. [[Hans Hateboer]], Groningen's [[Right back|right-back]] and Botteghin's replacement, put the home side 1–0 ahead after 40 minutes. [[Albert Rusnák (footballer, born 1994)|Albert Rusnák]] added a second goal early in the second half before Chery netted Groningen's third in the 88th minute, with the team advancing to the final with a 3–0 victory.<ref name=RTVNoord8Apr /> 

==Pre-match==
[[File:GAE - FC Utrecht - Ron Jans).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|PEC's [[Ron Jans]] ''(pictured in 2023)'' coached Groningen from 2002 to 2010.|alt=Image of Ron Jans]]
PEC, founded in 1910,<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 April 2012 |title=FC Zwolle als PEC Zwolle naar Eredivisie |trans-title=FC Zwolle as PEC Zwolle to Eredivisie |url=https://www.pzc.nl/overig/fc-zwolle-als-pec-zwolle-naar-eredivisie~a180a84c/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241022191025/https://www.pzc.nl/overig/fc-zwolle-als-pec-zwolle-naar-eredivisie~a180a84c/ |archive-date=22 October 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024 |website=Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant |language=nl}}</ref> were appearing in the KNVB Cup final for the second consecutive year and for the fourth time in their history.<ref name=RSSSF22Apr>{{Cite web |last=Stokkermans |first=Karel |date=22 April 2021 |title=Netherlands Cup finals |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nedcuphist.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815152611/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedcuphist.html |archive-date=15 August 2021 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=5 September 2021}}</ref> They lost the [[1927–28 KNVB Cup|1928 final]] against [[Racing Club Heemstede|Racing Club Haarlem]] and were runners-up in the 1977 final against Twente.<ref name=RSSSF22Apr /> PEC won the KNVB Cup for the [[2014 KNVB Cup final|first time in 2014]], defeating Ajax 5–1; it was the club's [[Football records and statistics in the Netherlands|first major trophy]].<ref name=RSSSF22Apr /><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 April 2014 |title=Dutch Cup final: fireworks hold up PEC Zwolle win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27097182 |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829210036/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27097182}}</ref> Jans, the PEC coach, showed his squad video messages from their family members before the match against Ajax;<ref name=NOS1May>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2015 |title=Primeur óf prolongatie voor provincieclubs? |trans-title=A first or prolongation for provincial clubs? |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2033347-primeur-of-prolongatie-voor-provincieclubs |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830065646/https://nos.nl/artikel/2033347-primeur-of-prolongatie-voor-provincieclubs}}</ref> he was hailed as a "motivator" by Dutch newspaper ''[[Dagblad van het Noorden]]''.<ref>Kok, Nik (2 August 2014). "Die finale was een hoogtepunt in mijn leven". [That final was a highlight of my life] (in Dutch). ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. p. 40.</ref> Groningen, founded in 1971,<ref name=RTVNoord14Jun /> had reached the final once before, [[1988–89 KNVB Cup#Final|losing 4–1 to PSV in 1989]];<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darwinkel |first=Geert Jan |date=19 October 2022 |title=Cupfighter FC Groningen? Afgezien van winst in 2015 en een finaleplaats (1989) houdt het niet over |trans-title=Cup fighter FC Groningen? Apart from a win in 2015 and a place in the final (1989), it is not great |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/967769/cupfighter-fc-groningen-afgezien-van-winst-in-2015-en-een-finaleplaats-1989-houdt-het-niet-over |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829210040/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/967769/cupfighter-fc-groningen-afgezien-van-winst-in-2015-en-een-finaleplaats-1989-houdt-het-niet-over}}</ref> PSV's [[Romário]] scored after two minutes, the fastest goal in KNVB Cup final history.<ref name=KNVBcomCup>{{Cite web |title=KNVB Cup |url=https://www.knvb.com/dutch-football/mens-football/knvb-cup |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411212550/https://www.knvb.com/dutch-football/mens-football/knvb-cup}}</ref> The 2015 final marked the third meeting between PEC and Groningen in a KNVB Cup match; in 1981, PEC won 3–2 at home with Jans playing for PEC, and in 2001, Groningen recorded a 3–0 victory with goals from [[Martin Drent]], [[Joost Broerse]] and [[Arjen Robben]].<ref name="VILive3May">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Bekerfinale live: PEC kan via play-offs nog Europa in |trans-title=Cup final live: PEC can reach European football via play-offs |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/bekerfinale-live-pec-kan-via-playoffs-nog-europa-in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829210036/https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/bekerfinale-live-pec-kan-via-playoffs-nog-europa-in |archive-date=29 August 2023 |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=Voetbal International |language=nl}}</ref> PEC and Groningen, both described by the [[Nederlandse Omroep Stichting]] as "provincial clubs",<ref name=NOS1May /> had played each other once in the [[2014–15 Eredivisie|Eredivisie during the season to date]], with PEC winning 2–0 at home; their second league meeting was to be held a week after the KNVB Cup final.<ref name=RSSSF9May /> Both sides were in the top half of the league table, with PEC one place and four points ahead of Groningen after 32 matches.<ref>"Eredivisie". ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. 27 April 2015. p. 32.</ref> 

Several figures had ties to both clubs. Broerse started his career at Groningen but had played for PEC since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joost Broerse |url=https://www.voetbalzone.nl/speler.asp?uid=2478 |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=Voetbalzone |language=nl |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420163519/https://www.voetbalzone.nl/speler.asp?uid=2478}}</ref> Another PEC player who started his career at Groningen was [[Stef Nijland]].<ref>Mennega, Jan (30 April 2015). "Wordt het vader of wordt het zoon?" [Will it be the father or will it be the son?] (in Dutch). ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. p. 8.</ref> His father, Hans, had been Groningen's [[chief executive officer]] since the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2015 |title=Bekerfinale 2015: Nijland versus Nijland |trans-title=Cup final 2015: Nijland versus Nijland |url=https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/betaald-voetbal/knvb-beker/4035/bekerfinale-2015-nijland-versus-nijland |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142851/https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/betaald-voetbal/knvb-beker/4035/bekerfinale-2015-nijland-versus-nijland}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2019 |title=Wouter Gudde volgt Hans Nijland op bij FC Groningen |trans-title=Wouter Gudde succeeds Hans Nijland at FC Groningen |url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/wouter-gudde-volgt-hans-nijland-op-bij-fc-groningen~acb11c78/ |access-date=5 September 2021 |website=Algemeen Dagblad |language=nl |archive-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905115833/https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/wouter-gudde-volgt-hans-nijland-op-bij-fc-groningen~acb11c78/}}</ref> Jans played for Groningen and later coached the club from 2002 to 2010.<ref name=FD29Apr>van der Heide, Marco (29 April 2015). "Zwols idealisme vs. Groningse precisiepuzzel". [Zwolle idealism vs. Groningen precision puzzle] (in Dutch). ''Friesch Dagblad''. p. 14.</ref> Jans stated after the draw for the semi-finals that he hoped to meet Groningen in the final.<ref name=RTVOost8Apr>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2015 |title=PEC Zwolle-trainer Ron Jans krijgt droomfinale tegen FC Groningen |trans-title=PEC Zwolle coach Ron Jans gets his dream final against FC Groningen |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/215177/pec-zwolle-trainer-ron-jans-krijgt-droomfinale-tegen-fc-groningen |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Oost |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830084110/https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/215177/pec-zwolle-trainer-ron-jans-krijgt-droomfinale-tegen-fc-groningen}}</ref> Botteghin, the Groningen defender, played for PEC from 2007 until 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nijman |first=Herman |date=24 May 2021 |title=Van jonge krullenbol in Zwolle tot gelouterde kracht bij Feyenoord: voor Eric Botteghin is het tijd om terug naar huis te gaan |trans-title=From a young curly haired boy in Zwolle to a refined force at Feyenoord: it is time for Eric Botteghin to return home |url=https://www.destentor.nl/sport/van-jonge-krullenbol-in-zwolle-tot-gelouterde-kracht-bij-feyenoord-voor-eric-botteghin-is-het-tijd-om-terug-naar-huis-te-gaan~a619f128/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241022182248/https://www.destentor.nl/sport/van-jonge-krullenbol-in-zwolle-tot-gelouterde-kracht-bij-feyenoord-voor-eric-botteghin-is-het-tijd-om-terug-naar-huis-te-gaan~a619f128/ |archive-date=22 October 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024 |website=De Stentor |language=nl}}</ref> Several days before the final the coaches and [[Captain (association football)|captains]] of Groningen and PEC attended the mandatory press conference in [[Zeist]]. Jans and Groningen coach [[Erwin van de Looi]] also posed with the cup but Van de Looi did not want to touch the trophy.<ref name=NOS1May />

PEC were considered the slight favourites: bookmaker [[William Hill (bookmaker)|William Hill]] offered [[odds]] of 7/5 on a PEC win and 17/10 on a Groningen victory. PEC were also considered the slight favourites at [[Ladbrokes Coral|Ladbrokes]], [[bwin]] and [[Unibet]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Wedkantoren geven PEC Zwolle nét iets meer kans op beker |trans-title=Bookmakers give PEC Zwolle just a little more chance of winning the Cup |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/148603/wedkantoren-geven-pec-zwolle-net-iets-meer-kans-op-beker |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830065656/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/148603/wedkantoren-geven-pec-zwolle-net-iets-meer-kans-op-beker}}</ref> The experts' predictions were mixed. [[ESPN (Netherlands)|FOX Sports]] analyst [[Arnold Bruggink]] suggested that PEC had a stronger squad and had gained experience playing a final the previous year, making them the favourites. [[Hugo Borst]], presenter at the Nederlandse Omroep Stichting, predicted a Groningen victory as they were "hungrier" for success.<ref name=NU2May>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2015 |title=Alles wat u moet weten over de bekerfinale |trans-title=Everything you need to know about the Cup final |url=https://www.nu.nl/dvn/4039336/alles-u-moet-weten-bekerfinale.html |access-date=30 August 2023 |website=NU.nl |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830065646/https://www.nu.nl/dvn/4039336/alles-u-moet-weten-bekerfinale.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2015 |title=Bekerfinale: wat gaat het worden? |trans-title=Cup final: what will it be? |url=https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/216860/bekerfinale-wat-gaat-het-worden |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Oost |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830065651/https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/216860/bekerfinale-wat-gaat-het-worden}}</ref> Former footballer {{ill|Marco van der Heide|nl}}, writing in ''[[Friesch Dagblad]],'' considered Necid and Drost key players for PEC, while Chery and Botteghin were deemed the most important players for Groningen. Drost had scored eight goals and registered seven [[Assist (association football)|assists]] during the Eredivisie season to date; Chery had fourteen goals and five assists. Van der Heide described PEC's style as "clean positional play"; he stated that Van de Looi's style of play was "less idealistic", with his tactics depending on which players were available.<ref name=FD29Apr /> Groningen had scored 22 goals during the KNVB Cup season, more than any other team. De Leeuw scored seven and was one goal behind [[Arkadiusz Milik]] of Ajax, the season's top scorer in the competition.<ref name=VILive3May />

The final, the 97th in the competition's history, was held at [[De Kuip]] in [[Rotterdam]],<ref name=NU2May /> venue of the KNVB Cup final since 1989.<ref name=KNVBcomCup /> Each club took 18,000 fans to De Kuip,<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Rotterdam-Zuid kleurt groen-blauw |trans-title=The south of Rotterdam colours green-blue |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2033741-rotterdam-zuid-kleurt-groen-blauw |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830084110/https://nos.nl/artikel/2033741-rotterdam-zuid-kleurt-groen-blauw}}</ref> transported by around 500 buses in total.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=500 bussen voetbalfans naar De Kuip |trans-title=500 buses of football fans to De Kuip |url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/1202431/500-bussen-voetbalfans-naar-de-kuip |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTL Nieuws |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830084111/https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/1202431/500-bussen-voetbalfans-naar-de-kuip}}</ref> As PEC were regarded as the home team, they wore their first-choice [[Kit (association football)|kit]] and were awarded the home dressing room.<ref name=RTVOost8Apr /> PEC's [[Maikel van der Werff]] was suspended for the final, while Karagounis was injured. Groningen's only absentee was [[Nick Bakker]], who missed the match due to injury.<ref name=NU2May /> Just before heading for Rotterdam, Van de Looi surprised his squad with a lunch with their family members; he concluded it strengthened the "feeling of invincibility" within the team.<ref name=DvhN2May>Pomp, William (2 May 2020). "Van de Looi: we waren echt een team". [Van de Looi: we really were a team] (in Dutch). ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. p. 52.</ref>

==Match==
===Summary===
PEC kicked off the match at 6&nbsp;p.m. [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]],<ref name=DvhN4May>de Jong, Thijs (4 May 2015). "Van de aftrap tot de bekeroverwinning". [From kick-off until the Cup victory] (in Dutch). ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. p. 32.</ref><ref name=NOS3May>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Groningen schrijft geschiedenis en gaat Europa in |trans-title=Groningen make history and reach Europe |url=https://nos.nl/liveblog/2033751-groningen-schrijft-geschiedenis-en-gaat-europa-in |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830102346/https://nos.nl/liveblog/2033751-groningen-schrijft-geschiedenis-en-gaat-europa-in}}</ref> refereed by {{ill|Richard Liesveld|nl}},<ref name=NoordBlog3May>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Liveblog bekerfinale PEC Zwolle – FC Groningen: 0–2 (gesloten) #pecgro |trans-title=Live blog Cup final PEC Zwolle – FC Groningen: 0–2 (closed) #pecgro |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/148619/liveblog-bekerfinale-pec-zwolle-fc-groningen-0-2-gesloten-pecgro |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830102347/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/148619/liveblog-bekerfinale-pec-zwolle-fc-groningen-0-2-gesloten-pecgro}}</ref> who took charge of his first KNVB Cup final.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2015 |title=Liesveld fluit bekerfinale |trans-title=Liesveld referees Cup final |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2032844-liesveld-fluit-bekerfinale |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241026053501/https://nos.nl/artikel/2032844-liesveld-fluit-bekerfinale |archive-date=26 October 2024 |access-date=26 October 2024 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl}}</ref> Within the first minute, a dangerous shot by De Leeuw was blocked by Broerse. PEC goalkeeper Hahn almost punched the ball from the resulting [[corner kick]] in his own goal. In the 8th minute, Lukoki hit a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, but Groningen defender [[Rasmus Lindgren]] blocked the effort. Two minutes later, Lukoki crossed the ball, but Necid's header was blocked by Botteghin.<ref name=DvhN4May /> Lindgren fouled Necid shortly afterwards, with the resulting [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] headed away by Mahi.<ref name=NoordBlog3May /> The game ebbed back and forth within the first 15 minutes; shortly afterwards, both sides became cautious of potential [[Glossary of association football terms#C|counter-attacks]], resulting in both creating fewer goalscoring chances.<ref name=NOS3May /> Early in the match, the [[RTV Noord]] coverage suggested that "PEC seemed less nervous than Groningen".<ref name=NoordBlog3May /> Around the 30th minute, Chery [[Dribbling|dribbled]] through the PEC defence but could not find a shot. Seven minutes later, Lukoki dribbled past several Groningen players, putting his shot just wide of the goal.<ref name=DvhN4May /> The first half remained goalless.<ref name=NOS3May /> At half-time, Van de Looi [[Substitute (association football)|replaced]] [[Lorenzo Burnet]], who had struggled against Lukoki, with Hateboer. Kappelhof moved to [[Left-Back|left-back]] with Hateboer taking the right-back position.<ref name=DvhN4May /><ref name=NoordBlog3May />

In the 50th minute, Mahi headed the ball to De Leeuw, who saw his shot saved by the legs of Hahn. Drost went down in Groningen's penalty area five minutes later, but the referee waved away the penalty claims. Thomas hit a powerful shot in PEC's following attack, but it was saved by [[Sergio Padt]].<ref name=DvhN4May /> In the 62nd minute, Mahi was substituted off and replaced by Antonia.<ref name=NoordBlog3May /> Two minutes later, Antonia's cross was deflected off a PEC defender; the ball fell to Rusnák, whose shot from the edge of the penalty area was deflected off Broerse's leg into PEC's goal, putting Groningen 1–0 in front.<ref name=DvhN4May /> Jans had already wanted to substitute off Broerse before Rusnák scored; Broerse was eventually replaced by [[Trent Sainsbury]].<ref name=NOS3May /> Antonia put in another dangerous cross shortly afterwards, but Sainsbury cleared the ball.<ref name="DvhN4May" /> In the 75th minute, Antonia's cross found Rusnák, who put the ball in the far corner of the PEC goal, scoring his second goal and putting Groningen 2–0 ahead.<ref name=DvhN4May /><ref name=NOS3May /> Nine minutes later, Padt saved a well-placed shot from the edge of the penalty area from Nijland. In [[stoppage time]], Antonia crossed the ball to [[Juninho Bacuna]], who miskicked it while in the opponent's penalty area.<ref name=DvhN4May /> PEC's Nijland had a goal disallowed a minute later, having been [[Offside (association football)|offside]]. Groningen held on to their 2–0 lead to claim the KNVB Cup.<ref name=NoordBlog3May /> PEC received white [[bathrobe]]s as the runners-up and Groningen red ones as the victors. Kieftenbeld, the winning captain, was handed the trophy by former Groningen player [[Erwin Koeman]].<ref name=VILive3May />

===Details===
{{Football box
|date = 3 May 2015
|time = 18:00 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
|team1 = [[PEC Zwolle]]
|score = 0–2
|report = <ref name=NOS3May /><ref name=DvhNMennega4May>Mennega, Jan (4 May 2015). "Rusnák schiet FC naar eeuwige roem". [Rusnák shoots FC to eternal fame] (in Dutch). ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. p. 30.</ref>
|team2 = [[FC Groningen]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = [[Albert Rusnák (footballer, born 1994)|Rusnák]] {{goal|64||75}}
|stadium = [[De Kuip]], [[Rotterdam]]
|referee = {{ill|Richard Liesveld|nl}}
|attendance = 46,193
}}

{| width=92%
|-
|{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _zwolle1415h
 | pattern_b  = _zwolle1415h
 | pattern_ra = _zwolle1415h
 | pattern_sh = 
 | pattern_so = _zwolle1415h
 | leftarm    = 0000FF
 | body       = 0000FF
 | rightarm   = 0000FF
 | shorts     = FFFFFF
 | socks      = 0000FF
 | title      = PEC Zwolle<ref name=DvhNMennega4May />
}}
|{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _greenborder
 | pattern_b  = _groningen1516a
 | pattern_ra = _greenborder
 | pattern_sh =
 | pattern_so =
 | leftarm    = 000000
 | body       = 000000
 | rightarm   = 000000
 | shorts     = 000000
 | socks      = 000000
 |title       = {{no wrap|FC Groningen<ref name=DvhNMennega4May />}}
}}
|}

{| width="100%"
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size:90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|colspan="2"|
|-
!width=45|
|-
|[[Goalkeeper (association football)|GK]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Warner Hahn]]
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Full-back|RB]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Bram van Polen]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|CB]] ||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Thomas Lam]] || {{suboff|81}}
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|CB]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Joost Broerse]] || {{suboff|65}}
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Full-back|LB]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Bart van Hintum]]
|-
|[[Midfielder#Central midfielder|CM]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Ben Rienstra]]
|-
|[[Midfielder#Central midfielder|CM]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Mustafa Saymak]]
|-
|[[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|AM]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Jesper Drost]]
|-
|[[Midfielder#Winger|RW]] ||{{flagicon|DRC}} [[Jody Lukoki]]
|-
|[[Forward (association football)#Striker|ST]] ||{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Tomáš Necid]]
|-
|[[Midfielder#Winger|LW]] ||{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Ryan Thomas (footballer)|Ryan Thomas]] || {{suboff|81}}
|-
|colspan=4|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|CB]] ||{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Trent Sainsbury]] || {{subon|65}}
|-
|[[Midfielder#Winger|LW]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Sheraldo Becker]] || {{subon|81}}
|-
|[[Forward (association football)#Striker|ST]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Stef Nijland]] || {{subon|81}}
|-
|colspan=4|'''Coach:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Ron Jans]]
|}
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"
|colspan="2"|
|-
!width=45|
|-
|[[Goalkeeper (association football)|GK]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Sergio Padt]]
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Full-back|RB]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Johan Kappelhof]]   
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|CB]] ||{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Eric Botteghin]]
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|CB]] ||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Rasmus Lindgren]] 
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Full-back|LB]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Lorenzo Burnet]] || {{suboff|46}}
|-
|[[Midfielder#Central midfielder|CM]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Maikel Kieftenbeld]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|[[Midfielder#Central midfielder|CM]] ||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Simon Tibbling]] 
|-
|[[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|AM]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Tjaronn Chery]] 
|-
|[[Midfielder#Winger|RW]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Mimoun Mahi]] || {{suboff|62}}
|-
|[[Forward (association football)#Striker|ST]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Michael de Leeuw]] || {{suboff|86}}
|-
|[[Midfielder#Winger|LW]] ||{{flagicon|SVK}} [[Albert Rusnák (footballer, born 1994)|Albert Rusnák]] 
|-
|colspan=4|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|[[Defender (association football)#Full-back|RB]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Hans Hateboer]] || {{subon|46}}
|-
|[[Midfielder#Winger|RW]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Jarchinio Antonia]] || {{subon|62}}
|-
|[[Forward (association football)#Striker|ST]] ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Juninho Bacuna]] || {{subon|86}}
|-
|colspan=4|'''Coach:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Erwin van de Looi]]
|}
|}

==Post-match and aftermath==
[[File:Fcgroningenfanskuip.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Groningen fans during the final|alt=Football fans during a Cup final]]
The 2014–15 KNVB Cup was Groningen's first major honour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 May 2015 |title=Bekerfinale 2015: de sfeer in beeld |trans-title=Cup final 2015: the atmosphere in pictures |url=https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/betaald-voetbal/knvb-beker/3714/bekerfinale-2015-de-sfeer-beeld |access-date=5 September 2021 |publisher=Royal Dutch Football Association |language=nl |archive-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905121159/https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/betaald-voetbal/knvb-beker/3714/bekerfinale-2015-de-sfeer-beeld}}</ref> They became the third [[Groningen]]-based team to win a major honour, after [[Be Quick 1887|Be Quick]] won the [[1919–20 Netherlands Football League Championship|1919–20 Dutch League Championship]] and [[Velocitas 1897]] claimed the [[1933–34 KNVB Cup]].<ref name=RSSSF22Apr /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kárpáti |first1=Tamás |last2=Stokkermans |first2=Karel |date=12 May 2021 |title=Netherlands – Champions|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nedchamp.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607112140/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedchamp.html |archive-date=7 June 2021 |publisher=RSSSF |access-date=5 September 2021}}</ref> By winning the cup, Groningen qualified for the [[2015–16 UEFA Europa League]] group stage and the [[2015 Johan Cruyff Shield]].<ref name=VILive3May />

Kieftenbeld was delighted, stating that he had "now touched the cup for the first time". He also praised the collective effort from the team. Van de Looi was pleased for the fans that the team had claimed the club's first major honour. He added that they remained confident during the match, stating that "during half-time we said we are not playing well, but we will win". Van de Looi was also delighted with the impact of the substitutions, such as from the pacey Antonia. PEC coach Jans was disappointed, claiming that "both teams were evenly matched, but we gave away too much space in the second half. After the 1–0 it was Groningen's game." Jans named Groningen the deserved winners.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Kieftenbeld: beker nu voor het eerst aangeraakt |trans-title=Kieftenbeld: Cup now touched for the first time |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2033784-kieftenbeld-beker-nu-voor-het-eerst-aangeraakt |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142849/https://nos.nl/artikel/2033784-kieftenbeld-beker-nu-voor-het-eerst-aangeraakt}}</ref> The following day the front page of ''Dagblad van het Noorden'' was titled "We hebben hem!" ({{lit|We got it!}}) in large white letters and included an image of the team lifting the trophy. For the only time the title of the newspaper was coloured in green, the colours of FC Groningen, instead of the newspaper's usual blue.<ref name=DvhN2May />

The final, broadcast on FOX Sports, was watched by almost 1.9&nbsp;million people, making it the most viewed programme of Sunday evening in the Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 May 2015 |title=FC Groningen op voorpagina alle landelijke kranten |trans-title=FC Groningen on the front page of all national newspapers |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/148650/fc-groningen-op-voorpagina-alle-landelijke-kranten |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142844/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/148650/fc-groningen-op-voorpagina-alle-landelijke-kranten}}</ref> At least 10,000 Groningen fans watched the game on Grote Markt in the centre of the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Volksfeest op Grote Markt in Groningen |trans-title=Folk festival on the Grote Markt in Groningen |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2033782-volksfeest-op-grote-markt-in-groningen |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901142846/https://nos.nl/artikel/2033782-volksfeest-op-grote-markt-in-groningen}}</ref> Three days after the final the Groningen squad were celebrated in [[Stadspark, Groningen|Stadspark]] by around 30,000 fans, preceded by an open-bus parade which took the team from Euroborg through the city centre to Stadspark.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2015 |title=Bekerwinnaar FC Groningen gehuldigd in Stadspark |trans-title=Cup winner FC Groningen celebrated in Stadspark |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2034285-bekerwinnaar-fc-groningen-gehuldigd-in-stadspark |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=Nederlandse Omroep Stichting |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901143348/https://nos.nl/artikel/2034285-bekerwinnaar-fc-groningen-gehuldigd-in-stadspark}}</ref> A week after the final Groningen and PEC met again in a league match at Euroborg: PEC won 1–0 with a goal from Necid halfway through the second half.<ref>"Eredivisie". ''Dagblad van het Noorden''. 11 May 2015. p. 28.</ref>

Matchwinner Rusnák later tattooed the date of the Cup final in [[Roman numerals]] on his leg.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sembiring |first=Laurens |date=3 May 2020 |title=Matchwinner Rusnák: 'Het feestje duurde niet één, maar zeven dagen' |trans-title=Match winner Rusnák: 'The party lasted for seven days instead of one' |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/221876/matchwinner-rusnak-het-feestje-duurde-niet-een-maar-zeven-dagen |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901143352/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/221876/matchwinner-rusnak-het-feestje-duurde-niet-een-maar-zeven-dagen}}</ref> In 2022, a {{convert|40|x|5|m|yd|1}} concrete [[mural]] of Kieftenbeld lifting the KNVB Cup was created under a [[viaduct]] near Euroborg.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2022 |title=Bekerwinst FC Groningen op beton vastgelegd: 'Niet verwacht dat er iets met deze foto zou gebeuren' |trans-title=Cup victory FC Groningen captured on concrete: 'I did not expect anything to happen with this photo' |url=https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/971718/bekerwinst-fc-groningen-op-beton-vastgelegd-niet-verwacht-dat-er-iets-met-deze-foto-zou-gebeuren |access-date=30 August 2023 |publisher=RTV Noord |language=nl |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901143904/https://www.rtvnoord.nl/nieuws/971718/bekerwinst-fc-groningen-op-beton-vastgelegd-niet-verwacht-dat-er-iets-met-deze-foto-zou-gebeuren}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{KNVB Cup}}
{{PEC Zwolle matches}}
{{FC Groningen}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:KNVB Cup Final, 2015}}
[[Category:KNVB Cup finals|2015]]
[[Category:2014–15 KNVB Cup|Final]]
[[Category:PEC Zwolle matches]]
[[Category:FC Groningen matches]]
[[Category:May 2015 sports events in Europe]]
[[Category:Sports competitions in Rotterdam]]