As the last match of the season on Dutch soil, the cup final was scheduled. With Ajax as the opponent, it was a fine affair. PSV seemed to have a slight advantage. The match was played on neutral ground, but this neutral ground happened to be in Eindhoven. Brabantia organized the day, and they did a great job!

Even though the bus was delayed, and we left later than planned, we arrived at the beautiful complex after a short bus ride. The boys were put on edge by a brilliant video about winning, with footage of the team itself.

Once the match started, the first chance was for PSV. Striker Matthias Verreth almost took advantage of a sloppiness in the Amsterdam build-up. Fortunately, Matthias was there today. After all, last week he had to have pictures taken of his wrist in Winterswijk. A fracture was feared, but in the end it turned out to be a bad bruise.

Ajax was also present in the early stages. It had more ball possession, but aside from a shot that went over, it did not become dangerous. PSV lurked in the spaces behind Ajax's last line. And several times this almost led to the opening goal. But Jaëll Hattu and Matthias both pounced on the Ajax goalkeeper.

In the 26th minute, the team of trainers Edwin de Wijs and Joonas Kolkka was very close to scoring the 1-0. A fine ball from Roel van Linschoten ended up with Jaëll who sent a fine cross to the completely free Joey Konings. His effort went wide, however.

Not much later goalkeeper Mike van de Meulenhof had to save a shot from close range. At that moment the sun broke through gently. And that apparently gave the players extra inspiration. Because at the very moment that the first sunbeams pierced through the clouds, PSV launched a fabulous attack! Defender Kaan Tanriver went on the attack in the 34th minute. He played Jaëll on the edge of the 16. Who then, with a drag flick, transported the ball behind his supporting leg to the on-rushing Kaan, who kept the overview well and laid the ball wide to Matthias. For him it was a breeze to put the opening goal on the scoreboard. A real indoor football goal on the artificial turf pitch that broke down the Amsterdam defense.

After halftime, the level of play dropped somewhat. Ajax could not and PSV failed to extend the lead. Because they had those opportunities. Ajax had to take risks at the back. And thus gave away a lot of space. But PSV handled those chances sloppily. They did score midway through the 2nd half, but the goal was disallowed because of a push violation. In the last quarter of an hour, Ajax twice came close to an equalizer. First a lob via the foot of captain Tom Scheepers went just over. And a little later, PSV was sweating when a shot hit the crossbar.

Despite some small opportunities for both teams, PSV held on to the lead until the final whistle. Thus winning the National Cup. A great achievement for the boys. After receiving the cup, medals and flowers, the almost obligatory activities were completed: staff in shower, players wet etc. The discharge was great, and so came a wonderful ending to a long season. Although closing.....next week there will be another tournament in Singapore.....

Line-up: Mike van de Meulenhof; Roel van Linschoten, Kaan Tanriver (50' Ertem Bölükbas), Tom Scheepers (c), Lassana Faye; Dante Rigo, Lennerd Daneels (57' Ymanuel Hurkmans), Jaëll Hattu; Joey Konings, Matthias Verreth, Karim Bannani.

Yellow cards for Matthias Verreth and Joey Konings.


A summary of this match was sent to us by PJ Peeters