The Brussels goalkeeper, Vincent Vanasch, won a seventh national trophy which crowns a delicate season and trials at the extra-sporting level. Something to savour a little more this second consecutive title won in the jersey of Rot-Weiss Cologne.
It is becoming a good habit for the Red Lions goalkeeper. At the end of each season, the triple best goalkeeper in the world (2017, 2018 and 2019) expands his already impressive record with a new title or an individual award. And this Sunday was no exception to tradition since the last bastion of Rot-Weiss Cologne added, to its feats of arms, a title of German champion after its victory, in the final, against Hamburg. A seventh national champion trophy after the three crowns won with the Waterloo Ducks, the two won with Oranje-Zwart, in the Netherlands, and the one won last season against Mülheim “This title is well deserved. Even if we had to wait until the end of the game to score the only goal of the game. But these matches in a single set, semi and final, are stressful because you can lose everything in an afternoon. So don’t miss it and these duels are played out on details, a bit like in the national team. »
Strong ambitions
A new coronation which crowns a delicate season following a family ordeal which put many things in perspective in the personal life but also sporting of Vincent Vanasch. Absent from the field for more than three months, the Brussels resident gradually regained his feelings in 2022, to return to his best level. “It was special to celebrate this new title after a very complicated year. My family was present in the stands to support me and it had a special flavor after what we have been through in recent months. The desire is even greater to win, to play well and to have fun on the field. We took a photo after the title with my daughter sitting in the cup and my son next to me. It is a very strong symbol after what we have overcome. It’s so complicated to confirm a title. And when you’re used to winning, there’s always added pressure. »
An impressive career and track record but still strong ambitions despite his 34 years. “It would be really amazing to win the EHL with Cologne. Unfortunately, we had a day without, last April, in the final, against Bloemendaal. But we want to achieve a double next season by winning a third consecutive title in the German championship. I haven’t decided 100% yet but I should stay in Cologne until the Paris Games. And with the Red Lions, we want to put the cover back and win the World Championship, the Games and the Euro again. »
But before putting the gaiters back in the national team, Vincent Vanasch will first rest. “Michel van den Heuvel wanted me to be back with the group, but I asked for three days off to take care of my little ailments. We will still train until July 8 and we will have to hold on. The season has been long and intensive on a physical level but also on the emotional side. I really need a vacation and get together with my family.
The Brussels resident will therefore skip the two duels against South Africa (Tuesday and Wednesday, at 6 p.m.). But he will be back for the matches against India and Great Britain which will be decisive for the title in the Pro League. But on the condition that the Red Lions first achieve a clear round in their next two outings. Matches that Vincent Vanasch will follow very carefully from his couch before finding his place in goal next weekend.