PSV O14 equal against winter champion AZ O14
Goals enough for PSV O14 last Saturday. AZ O14 came to visit and they needed just one point to become winter champions. So objective one was: AZ should not become champions in Eindhoven. The away game at AZ was lost 6-1, so revenge was necessary so that you can go into the winter break with a good feeling. Despite PSV O14 did everything they could, it was not a victory. Nevertheless, after the match everyone was satisfied with the play shown. PSV had shown that they are not inferior to anyone in this competition.
PSV bit into the opponent from minute one. PSV had a good position and AZ was unable to create any chances in the early stages of the match. AZ were also well positioned, so it was difficult for PSV to create any chances. This gave us a nice match where both sides played good football at a high pace. And if any team was dangerous in the first half, it was the Eindhoven players. Tim van de Heuvel was the closest to an opening goal. A shot from the edge of the penalty area went into the side netting via the AZ goalkeeper. After another good attack Jason van Duiven opened the scoring in the sixteenth minute. Via the axis of the field PSV came through well, Jason received the ball from the midfield, turned free, and played the ball to Emir Bars who in one move put the ball back inside to the passing Jason, who was now free in front of the AZ goalkeeper. And that such chances are wasted on Jason is well known. He slid the ball in under the goalkeeper. PSV remained on top after the opening goal, but no real chances were created. Thus, the 1-0 score remained on the scoreboard until the halftime signal.
The expectation at the start of the second half was actually that PSV wanted to make the 2-0 quickly and thus lock up the match. But AZ had other plans, changing up front for the Alkmaarders and bringing in a physically strong striker. This yielded immediate results for the guests. At the first free kick AZ were allowed to take, the ball was swung in front of the goal. The PSV organization did not have it all sorted out for a while after that change, which allowed AZ to take advantage and score. After this equalizer, both teams were well positioned again and we got the same game as before halftime. Two teams playing well, but neither really creating chances. Or it should be the chance for Jason, after he dribbled into the 16 meters, he was hit. The striker ran on and still managed to get the ball in front, but no one was there yet. The well playing Emir tried a few more times with a cross ball, but each time it was the AZ defense that stood well. But AZ also tried to get out quickly a few times, but there again the PSV defense stood well. Where certainly Brian van de Boogaard deserved a compliment, the O13 player did not budge and was unbeatable in the heart of the center. So it remained exciting until the last minute, but unfortunately no more goal.
Still, a satisfied feeling among the PSV staff after the match. The players have shown that they can stand up in the top games. They don't have to be inferior to anyone. So it is safe to say that after the winter break they should be competing for the championship. All the ingredients are there. On behalf of players and staff I wish everyone happy holidays, good health and a great new football year.
Setup:
Hamers, El Meiliani (57/Hagens), Rovers, Boogaard, Tytens, Geerts, Heuvel (48/Piedfort), Vergeldt, Van Duiven, Bars, Babadi.
But now, before the winter break, do a social project and an afternoon of paintballing, after which everyone can start getting ready for a pretty exciting second half of the season.
