On this sunny and mild Saturday in January, we played a practice match against a fine opponent, AZ from Alkmaar. PSV started well and the first opportunity was for the home team. However, a cross from Jur went just over everyone. In the fourth minute the visitors had the first opportunity to score. A shot by an AZ player hit the post but caromed into the goal via Robin's back, 0-1. AZ then pressed on and PSV was searching for a while. This lasted until the ninth minute when PSV equalized again. After an action of Genrich he played the ball to Jeremy. His cross was tapped in by the alert Jur, 1-1. This goal gave PSV renewed confidence and the home club took control again. This resulted in a few opportunities. A corner by Djurre was laid wide by Genrich to Jeremy. His shot ended up in the hands of the AZ goalkeeper. A distance shot by Mohamed was turned away by the AZ goalie and a shot by Jeremy hit the post. PSV continued to dominate, however, and in the 24th minute the home club did manage to complete an attack effectively. A cross from Mohamed was laid back by Jeremy to Djurre. From the edge of the penalty area Djurre shot the ball with an arc behind the visitors' goalkeeper, 2-1. PSV continued and in the 27th minute a beautifully taken free kick by Thomas was tapped in by Jur, 3-1. This was also the score at halftime.

The second half had only just started when AZ scored the tying goal. A shot from the edge of the penalty area went unstoppable over Peter into the goal, 3-2. AZ continued to search for the equalizer. PSV struggled to continue the strong play of the first half. It became an even contest in which both teams had opportunities, but just as often these opportunities were not taken. In the 40th minute, Jur had the opportunity to score after a nice PSV attack. However, his shot went wide. A few minutes later AZ had the opportunity to score but this shot also went wide. Both teams tried to increase the score but there was a lack of sharpness, so the final score was 3-2.

All in all a useful training match in which PSV played a particularly strong first half.


Verhoeven (Strijbosch), N. Munsters, Lonwijk, De Schutter, Cox, J. Munsters (Tielemans), Nassoh, Verschut (J. Munsters), Sillé (Verschut), Antonisse, Clabbers