PSV O13 recovers reaches KNVB Cup semifinals

In an exciting match, PSV O13 recorded a victory over AZ. The Eindhoveners straightened their back after an offensively mediocre first half and eventually defeated the Alkmaarers after penalties.

In the first half, not much happened in front of both goals. While PSV O13 had their affairs in order at the back, the team in front managed to do little with the space given to them by AZ. On the stroke of half-time, the first opportunity of the match was a direct hit. The AZ striker was played clear and slid the ball under PSV goalkeeper Daan van de Brande. Thus both teams went to rest with a 0-1 score.

After tea a different PSV O13 team was on the pitch. The team became bolder, won more and more duels and got better in the match. After five minutes this fighting spirit was already rewarded: Jayden Ettienne put through well on the flank and laid off to Robin van Duiven. With a subtle foot movement, the striker sent the ball into the far corner to bring the score to 1-1. In the remainder of the second half, PSV remained on top, but managed to create few more chances. The game ended in a draw, and penalty kicks were the deciding factor.

In the penalty series, both teams showed their strongest side. Of the first twelve penalty kicks, ten were resolutely shot in and two were missed (one by both teams). When Samuel Gomez had put the Eindhoveners up 6-5, goalkeeper Daan van de Brande seized his moment. With a cat-like reflex, he tapped the last penalty out of the corner, sending PSV O13 into the semifinals of the cup!

In the semifinals PSV O13 will face FC Volendam. Next week there is no program for the Eindhoven squad, after which the team will resume the competition on Wednesday, March 13. The opponent that evening will be, again, AZ.

Setup: Daan van de Brande; Thijs Jansen, Brian van de Boogaard, Wessel Kuhn (42/Julian van Esdonk), Raf van de Riet; Joep Vermeulen, Nicolas Verkooijen, Samuel Gomez; Jayden Ettienne (51/Zaid El Bakkali), Robin van Duiven, Eus Waayers