The report

Because the artificial turf was made ice-free, the second match after the winter break for O19 could fortunately go ahead as planned. Earlier, PSV O17's game against PEC Zwolle O17 had been cancelled because it was too slippery to play.

Mark van Bommel's boys were too restless in possession of the ball in the first five minutes, resulting in rapid ball loss. In addition, AZ O19 wanted to send out a signal with a couple of strong tackles that it was not going to be an easy afternoon for PSV. PSV's first danger came in the 8th minute. Via a nice cross to the fast Zakaria Aboukhlal, who was brought down illegally on the edge of the penalty area. Unfortunately, Michal Sadilek's subsequent free kick yielded nothing. Two minutes later the goal did come. Aboukhlal went into a one-two with Amar Catic and got free in front of goal, after which he shot the ball well: 1-0. PSV O19 continued with good combination football after this nice goal. A good interception by Leandro Fernandes in the 16th minute brought the ball to Catic. With a nice pass he found Justin Lonwijk, who acted just a little too hastily to reach the free Sekou Sidibe at the far post. PSV O19 had the game under control and there seemed little to worry about. But a crisp header from a free kick allowed AZ to come back into the game in the 19th minute. PSV continued to dictate the game even after the equalizer, only without creating any real big chances and so both teams went to the dressing rooms with a 1-1 draw.

After tea, PSV got off to a good start. Baggio Wallenburg reached Catic with a nice pass. The striker rebounded directly to Aboukhlal, who took the ball into the sixteen-meter area. But before he could think what he was going to do, he was hooked. The rightly given penalty kick was well shot in by Leandro Fernandes: 2-1. Thus PSV had another quick lead to grab after halftime. A few minutes later it was Catic who was able to get away on the left side. He reached the back line and found the free Aboukhlal at the far post, who took the ball nicely to his chest, but shot just wide. In the 81st minute, substitute Nigel thomas was too quick for his opponent. His cross reached Catic at the first post, but the leather ended up in the goalkeeper's hands. The match seemed to end in a 2-1 victory for PSV 019, but after a nice header in the 90th minute from Lonwijk to Thomas, the game ended in 3-1.

Saturday, Jan. 27, the PSV O19 boys will play a cup match at home against FC Twente O19. Kickoff for that match is at 2 p.m.

Lineup PSV O19: Mike van de Meulenhof, Baggio Wallenburg, Tijn Daverveld, Maxime Soulas, Steven Theunissen, Michal Sadilek, Zakaria Aboukhlal (90, Robin Schoonbrood), Leandro Fernandes, Amar Catic (85, ohamed Amine Ihattaren), Justin Lonwijk, Sekou Sidibe (59, Nigel Thomas).

Photo report

View Paula Lenting's photo report of this competition here.