Tomorrow, PSV Women will close the season with the final of the Eredivisie Cup. In this final round, Roeland ten Berge 's team meets Ajax. An important match in which much is at stake, Nina Nijstad also realizes.
In the semifinals, PSV Women had no child against FC Twente, winning 2-0. Nina had a big part in this win, providing both goals. "I am happy that I was able to help the team in this way. It's always nice to be important with goals or assists. I then also notice the appreciation from the team, which I really like."
Throughout this match, both teams visibly suffered from the tropical temperatures. "Especially the first half we really had to get used to the heat. The second half did go a little better. It's not nice playing football with thirty degrees, but in the end it went fine. I think it's clever that a lot of girls played out ninety minutes."
Difficult task
PSV did not have an easy time against the Amsterdammers earlier this season, playing a draw in April and suffering a narrow defeat in the first half of the season. Nina is aware of Ajax's qualities and knows where the danger lies. "I think Ajax is a good young team with a lot of talent. They have good stamina, so I expect it to be exciting for 90 minutes." Despite these results, the midfielder has learned a lot and knows what it takes to win. "We have to play our own game, because we didn't quite do that in the previous games against Ajax. I have confidence in the plan."
Final battle
That more is at stake tomorrow than three points, Nina knows all too well. The final provides extra motivation within the team, which is determined to defend the prize. "Of course it's alive and well. We do know there is another prize to be won. Last season we also won this prize and we are keen to do it two years in a row."
End of season
Either way, a historic season comes to an end tomorrow, with PSV Women becoming champions for the first time in history. The midfielder looks back on a personally strong season. "I think this year was really a tipping point for me. That I was able to get a lot of return with goals and assists is very nice. In previous years that was fine, but not really noticeable. This season that has really improved a lot. I think I have been much more important for the team in that as well."