Today already for most of us was getting up at 6:30 am or even earlier to make the trip to Venlo where the match against VVV is scheduled at 10:00 am. VVV is the current No.3 in the standings and if we want to continue our advance a win is necessary. However, from the kick-off VVV made their aspirations clear immediately by sending their outside right into the deep and our defense had to come into action immediately. VVV immediately pinned us down in their own half and gave PSV no space in midfield, making it difficult to build up. Since their midfielders and back players are often a head taller than our guys running there, it is important not to get into a duel, but this is easier said than done. VVV are brighter and more aggressive in the opening stages and get a 1-0 lead through Bjorn Bastiaans. PSV does not get into their game and is blown off by VVV. When their right-winger was sent away with a cross-pass and he crossed, the first effort was turned away but the rebound was shot by another VVV player, giving VVV the 2-0 lead. Where other opponents cannot exploit their field superiority by creating chances, VVV have a few guys who keep an overview and can become dangerous. PSV seems to get out of the pressure after fifteen minutes and can become dangerous through a rush by Tijn on the right side of the pitch. Unfortunately no PSV player can put his foot against it due to fierce defending by VVV. However, VVV took control again and scored 3-0 5 minutes before half time. So we go into the break with a 3-0 deficit and that takes some getting used to. Also in the second half VVV is too big for our boys. VVV is just a little bit faster to the ball and then it becomes difficult. VVV could score two more goals in the second half and PSV could be dangerous from time to time with a header by Sem and an over shot by Arne. So we can go home with a 5-0 defeat and our upward march has stopped for a while. It is said that you learn more from defeats than victories. So if you and your coach can figure out what was lacking today, there are still two chances to win against VVV next time.

Report with thanks to Eric Zeegers