Van Hecke's Milestone Debut in Oranje: A New Chapter for Dutch Football
Van Hecke Takes the Field
Jan Paul van Hecke (24) from Arnemuiden has made a significant impact with his debut in the Nederlands Elftal. The defender from Brighton & Hove Albion subbed in at halftime during the Nations League match against Germany, stepping in for Matthijs de Ligt. After 24 years since Peter van Vossen, Zeeland celebrates its tenth Zeeuw in Oranje.
A Memorable Game
This week, Van Hecke was selected for the first time in his career to join the definitive squad of Oranje in Zeist. While he remained on the bench during the match against Bosnia Herzegovina (which ended 5-2 in favor of the Dutch), he had the chance to showcase his skills against Germany. At the moment he entered the game, Oranje was trailing 1-2. Thanks to a collective effort, they managed to equalize, finishing the match 2-2.
A Proud Legacy
Van Hecke is the tenth Zeeuw to wear the Oranje jersey and the second in his family. He follows in the footsteps of his uncle Jan Poortvliet, who played in the 1978 World Cup final and made a total of 19 appearances for the national team.
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