With Helmond Sport, PSV ( at least the '99 batch ) traditionally has a tough opponent.
From the previous duels we did not get many positive results. But traditions are there to be broken.
In the early stages of the match, Helmond camped out on PSV's playing field so we knew right away that it wasn't going to be a "park walk" again.
That Helmond's boys were big and tough we had already figured out in the first game. Then we went on to win flattered with 2-3.

Now it was slightly different. After six minutes it was already a prize, the defense was outplayed, and the striker headed alone for Stan,
who at first could save but then couldn't prevent a well-attended visitor from pushing the ball in. 0-1. Well deserved for Helmond.
Three minutes later the score was level again. Nice action by Björn (replacing the sick Steven Bosma on the left side) measured crosses to Raphael,
who outmaneuvers his defender and shoots in across the corner. 1-1. We could restart.
After 18 minutes hot stand in front of Stan's goal, Robin tries to work away, against the leg of an attacker and again Stan has to pull out all the stops to avoid the 1-2.
Baggio and Armando defend as if their lives depended on it, each intervening once where it was very much needed again. PSV is playing with fire.
After 21 minutes it is then again a hit for the visitors, high cross from the right side, everyone looks a bit at each other and the ball falls in at the second post.
This was an avoidable goal. Of course the boys know that too and they go for the equalizer again. On a free kick by Jordan, they almost succeed,
Cody takes the ball in one go, but his volley goes just over.
Ruud, who accepts a not whistled offside play, goes for goal, but his shot splashes the bar. Pity, because after this phase we are going to rest.

The halftime score 1-2 was a perfect representation of the game. Helmond Sport was simply the better team.

After the break ( with a sermon from trainer Colin which was needed ) things have to be better for the home team, if we want to end the match on a positive note.
It starts well, Jordan with a pass up to Ruud but just a little too far, and Ruud sees the ball roll over the goal line.
After 33 minutes another hot stand, now in front of Arne's goal, but the ball falls exactly between the legs of "the Belgske" and he can simply pick it up.
Immediately after that, Jordan sends James deep, but James decides on the goalkeeper.
The free kicks also remain dangerous, especially when they are kicked just under the crossbar. The free ball Helmond Sport gets falls right on it, a lucky shot for Arne.
One minute later high ball from the visitors, again on the crossbar. According to coach Nicky there were angels on Arne's goal.
Helmond continues to play strong football and the 1-3 is closer than the 2-2.
And yet the score comes back into balance. Ruud on speed through, into the sixteen meters, but he is torpedoed by a defender. Rightful penalty kick.
Cody places himself behind the ball and punches it in with a controlled effort. 2-2.
In the last three minutes, there is not much to see and the referee blows the final whistle.

2-2. A clear example that the strongest team does not always guarantee victory. One point won is a better expression than 2 points lost in this case.

Report with thanks to Joël Lekens