For this match, the excitement was greater and more palpable than usual. The opponent was second in the rankings and rumors circulated that they were big, two years older and had good football play in them. Moreover, except for one draw, they also won everything. Will last week's warm-up game pay off? Will the second championship be in sight?
PSV started strong and had luck on their side after only five minutes of play. Ruud gave a pass to Björn across the field, Björn crossed the ball and Cody reacted attentively; 1-0. Fortunately, the head was off. But what followed was still pure battle. Wilhelmina Boys (and girl) were hardly upset by this deficit and continued in good spirits. Defenders James, Armando and Jordan had to act regularly, but were still able to prevent the opponent from really taking advantage. Pepijn hardly had to come into action. The PSV attack meanwhile also continued undaunted. Ruud and Robin, however, saw their goal attempts go wide. The tension remained in the match, especially after Armando's courageous save that took the ball off the goal line.
Still, the 2-0 fell on the PSV side. Cody showed great class with his inimitable slalom by passing four players and the goalkeeper. Also Ruud, Baggio and Robin, who tried many combinations, saw the success of their action before the break; Ruud scored the 3-0 on a pass from Robin.
When an opponent, with four PSV'rs in his wake, ran towards our goal, we along the line held our hearts, but Pepijn remained cool and sure. He runs out well, placing his foot tightly on the ball which shoots far into midfield.
The fighting spirit, despite the 3-0, was no less in the second half either. Merijn had to take strong action several times and once the defense left the gap too big and the ball reached the nets; 3-1.
At the other end Luc saw his famous distance shot go over, and Robin, Bjorn and Jordan saw their combinations fail. The otherwise excellent playing goalkeeper of the opposing team was also to blame. At the end of the second half, James scored the 4-1 from a scrimmage after Robin's corner.
All in all a match that lived up to its name; once again there was a real battle. And it was won by PSV. The option date for the champions party is already set!
Report with thanks to Ank Gakpo-van Bommel