Nathan Tjoe-A-On Helps Willem II Secure Promotion to the Eredivisie Through a Dramatic Penalty Shootout

Indonesia National Team Player Nathan Tjoe-A-On successfully secured Willem II Tilburg's promotion to the Eredivisie for the 2026/2027 season, after eliminating FC Volendam via a dramatic penalty shootout during the second leg of the promotion playoffs on Saturday, 23 May 2026.

Citing official Eerste Divisie reports, Willem II confirmed their ticket to the top tier of Dutch Football League after winning the shootout 5-4. The fixture was tightly contested, with both sides finishing level on 3-3 aggregate across both legs.

In the first leg, Willem II suffered a 1-2 defeat while playing on their home ground. However, they mounted a comeback with a 2-1 away win at Volendam's stadium in the second leg, forcing the match into extra time.

Nathan Tjoe-A-On was trusted to start from the first minute, and held his position in the away team's defensive line for the entire duration of regular play.

Willem II took an aggressive approach right from kickoff, opening their lead just seven minutes into the match. The first goal was scored by Siegert Baartmans, converting a crossed delivery from Mounir El Allouchi on the right flank.

Willem II continued applying consistent pressure, adding their second goal in the 17th minute through Finn Stam's long range strike from outside the penalty box which evaded the Volendam goalkeeper.

This two-goal advantage put Willem II ahead on aggregate. However, Volendam pulled one back shortly before half time, with Yannick Leliendal scoring in the 36th minute.

The 2-1 scoreline in favour of Willem II remained unchanged at the end of the first half.

As the second half commenced, both teams continued pushing for additional goals. Despite multiple clear chances being created, no further goals were scored by the end of normal time, leaving the aggregate tied at 3-3.

The match proceeded into 2x15 minute extra time. Match intensity remained very high, but both sides struggled with final finishing in front of goal.

Nathan Tjoe-A-On was substituted off for Mika de Jonge in the 106th minute, ending his match appearance.

With no additional goals scored during extra time, the tie was decided via penalty shootout. Willem II maintained better composure in this high pressure moment, eventually coming out as winners with a 5-4 shootout score.

Goalkeeper Thomas Didillon became the match hero after successfully saving Nordin Bukala's penalty attempt for Volendam.

This result confirms Willem II will return to compete in the Eredivisie next season. The club last played in the top tier of Dutch football during the 2024/2025 campaign.