Meerdink scores with first touch as AZ beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva

AZ striker Mexx Meerdink scored with his first touch to give his side a 2-1 Europa League victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva, converting a penalty awarded before he came on as a substitute. [1]

Meerdink was preparing to enter the match when the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor to review a foul on Bendegúz Kovács. The striker said he went straight to the fourth official to ask whether he could come on to take the spot-kick. “You couldn’t start a match more beautifully as a substitute,” he said after the game. [1]

He struck the penalty powerfully into the net. AZ coach Leeroy Echteld said he had been surprised that Meerdink wanted to take it, but praised the finish. Meerdink, who came on in the 77th minute, said he understood the decision to rest him amid a busy run of matches. [1]