Location: Varkenoord
Today was finally the absolute topper on the program. The match everyone had been looking forward to for a long time. The match between the numbers 1 and 2. The match where for PSV it is a matter of "return the tension" or "drop out". The match, in short, between Feyenoord and PSV.
The gap between the two teams beforehand: 6 loss points in favor of Feyenoord. Score in Eindhoven earlier this season: 2-2. Compared to that game, the team was seriously handicapped: 3 players were missing in the axle, so PSV started with 4 players who are still allowed to play in the C2.
On a field on which they would not dare to let the cows loose in my village, PSV started well. The team had the strong wind at their back and this was, besides the field, a factor that played a big role in the type of game that was put on the "mat". The long ball was frequently used. Feyenoord gambled on the fast forwards and almost succeeded in the 10th minute. Through miscommunication at the back the Feyenoord right winger suddenly appeared in front of goalkeeper Mike van de Meulenhof, who saved the ball superbly. PSV tried to combine to reach the front line. And was first threatened when Amar Catic passed the ball well from the right. Just before Karim Bannani could become dangerous, however, the ball was headed away. After fifteen minutes of play, PSV almost profited twice from sloppiness in the Rotterdam build-up. First it was Lennerd Daneels who came close with a long-distance lob, and not much later Joey Konings was almost effective after putting pressure on the Feyenoord goalie. Unfortunately, the goal was not struck. After half an hour the goal was finally scored. After an interception in midfield by Karim, the ball went to Jaëll Hattu who had something phenomenal in mind. And not only in his mind! He also carried it out: with a subtle stick, he put the Robin Schoonbrood, who was running along, alone in front of the goal. And with a beautiful volley Robin scored the 0-1 in a controlled manner. What an attack and what a goal!
However, PSV could not take the lead into the locker room. Immediately after the kick-off the ball was passed from the left side of the pitch to one of the Rotterdammers' midfielders. His shot flew high into the goal above the hopeless Mike van de Meulenhof. An exciting first half, with two great goals and a good referee (it's worth saying!).
After half time Feyenoord played with the strong wind. And PSV was forced back. Yet the Eindhoven team kept the ranks well closed. Feyenoord did put pressure early on, and PSV had trouble getting out of the game. But the leaders had no real chances. Partly thanks to a strong collective on the pitch today. Feyenoord did manage to take the lead though. A cross down PSV's left went just over an Eindhoven central defender, but the just-entered Feyenoord striker suddenly took the ball on the inside of his right foot and scored the 2-1 very handsomely. PSV could not create much danger in return until then. About 12 minutes before time, PSV again came dangerous in front of the Feyenoord goal. Lassane Faye stepped up on the left and suddenly found himself in front of the Feyenoord goalkeeper, who saved the ball. After Karim's shot went wide, Feyenoord finally put the game to bed in the final minute. The quick right-winger made it 3-1.
The title battle seems settled. Still, PSV can look back on a fine match. There was a team today, a strong collective that was willing to fight for every meter and every ball. And perhaps the most important gain: PSV ended the match with no less than 5 players who are allowed to play in the under-14 competition, without losing quality.
Without 3 points, PSV got back on the bus. But in three weeks we will have another chance to take sporting revenge. After all, the semi-final for the cup is scheduled then, away at Feyenoord....
Mike van de Meulenhof; Roel van Linschoten, Kaan Tanriver, Lassane Faye; Robin Schoonbrood, Lennerd Daneels (61' Justin Lonwijk), Jaëll Hattu; Amar Catic (55' Cody Gakpo), Joey Konings, Karim Bannani.