After being bivouacked in Turkey for a week for an international tournament, the match against Feyenoord was on the schedule today. Not as part of the league, but the semi-final for the cup. In the league we played a draw earlier (2-2) and three weeks ago we lost 3-1. The last game was played under tough conditions: bad field and a bleak, strong wind.

The conditions today were better. We played on the main field and there was significantly less wind. However: not at all comparable to the conditions in which we played last week in Antalya. Wondering how the players would cope with all this.

Despite PSV having the most ball possession in the first few minutes, Feyenoord took the lead as early as the 4th minute. Inattention at the back was immediately punished. PSV remained the team with the most ball possession, without creating any real chances. Feyenoord was dangerous in the breakaway. And after fifteen minutes they came close to scoring 2-0 when a Rotterdam player broke through. Mike van de Meulenhof saved fortunately. PSV got no further than a powerless shot by Jaëll Hattu.

After a minor foul on Joey Konings, PSV was allowed to take a free kick just outside the penalty area. It was the 30th minute and specialist Dante Rigo positioned himself behind the ball. With a great curl he shot the ball into the left cross. What a great goal and what a great moment just before halftime to bring the score back into balance!!!

After half time Feyenoord immediately got two small chances. PSV had to stay sharp. And almost took the lead in the 42nd minute when Joey Konings came face to face with the Rotterdam goalie after a deep pass from Dante Rigo.

A few minutes later Mike saved after the ball got stuck in the back and a Feyenoord player got the ball at his feet and shot in from close range.
The game went back and forth. But no real chances were created. Both teams seemed to be heading for penalties. And they did.

A lottery, many say. And in which goalkeepers can become heroes. And players can become schmoes. Mike was crowned goalkeeper of the tournament in Turkey last week. But he wasn't feeling well at halftime. How would he hold up during the penalty series?

PSV had to take a penalty first. And Dante shot it in. After Feyenoord equalized, it was captain Tom who got behind the ball. Unfortunately his effort went over. Feyenoord could have taken the lead. But Mike was able to save. Then Lassane, Matthias and Lennerd scored. And every equalizing turn Feyenoord scored. So it was 3-4 in the penalty series and the last Feyenoord player was ready to shoot in for the 4-4. However, his effort was turned away by Mike! PSV qualified for the cup final!

Another final place for the team of Edwin de Wijs and Joonas Kolkka. Last week we lost the first one in Turkey to Dinamo Zagreb. Hopefully we will make it to the cup final.

A good result, especially considering the team played four full matches in Turkey last week. And good for Mike for being decisive in the penalty shootout today.

The opponent for the final is the yet to be played match between Ajax and Almere City.

Mike van de Meulenhof; Roel van Linschoten, Kaan Tanriver, Tom Scheepers (c), Lassana Faye; Dante Rigo, Lennerd Daneels, Jaëll Hattu; Joey Konings, Matthias Verreth, Karim Bannani (63' Ertem Bölükbas)