All posts by Will Burns

KNVB Beker round-up

August 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Earlier this month, the draw for the first and second rounds of the KNVB Beker was made. Here’s a quick rundown of those fixtures. Can PEC Zwolle defend the trophy after clinching it last season for the first time in their history?

The tournament begins at the end of the month with forty-two teams from Dutch amateur leagues.

First Round Draw (ties to be played 27th August 2014)

ADO’20 vs. Scheveningen

ASWH vs. HSC’21

BVV Barendrecht vs. De Ster

Capelle vs. EHC/Heuts

Deltasport vs. Leonidas

De Bataven vs. Urk

DOS’37 vs. WAVV

EVV Echt vs. Spirit’30.

FC Lienden vs. Excelsior Maassluis

Flevo Boys vs. Haaglandia/Winston

FVC vs. Sportlust ’46

HBS vs. Juliana’ 31

IJsselmeervogels vs. JVC Cuijck

Ajax Amateurs vs. De Valk

Jong Feyenoord vs. ASV De Dijk

JOS Watergraafsmeer vs. VV Noordwijk

Kozakken Boys vs. Stormvogels ’28

MSC vs. ONS Boso Sneek

Oude Maas vs. DOSKO

WKE vs. Pelikaan

ZVS vs. FC Lisse

The second round sees the big boys from the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie join the competition. Defending champions PEC Zwolle will play host to FC Oss, who had a disappointing Eerste Divisie campaign last year, finishing 19th in the twenty team league. Zwolle of course Runners-up Ajax will have an easy trip to either vv Noordwijk or JOS Watergraafsmeer who clash in the first round. Two all-Eredivisie ties were pulled out of the hat as PSV host FC Utrecht and Feyenoord travel to Deventer to play Go Ahead Eagles.

Second Round Draw (ties to be played 23rd-25th September 2014)

Achilles ’29 vs. FC Twente

ADO ’20/Scheveningen vs. ZVS/Lisse

AFC vs. SBV Excelsior

Almere City vs. ADO Den Haag

ASWH/HSC ’21 vs. WKE/Pelikaan

Barendrecht/De Ster vs. FC Groningen

Bataven/Urk vs. UNA

Capelle/EHC/Heuts vs. FC Volendam

Deltasport/Leonidas vs. Willem II

De Treffers vs. Telstar

EVV/Spirit ’30 vs. AZ Alkmaar

FC Den Bosch vs. SC Cambuur

FC Lienden/Excelsior Maassluis vs. FC Emmen

Flevo Boys/Haaglandia vs. DOS ’37/WAVV

Go Ahead Eagles vs. Feyenoord

HBS/Juliana ’31 vs. Heracles Almelo

HHC Hardenberg vs. RKC Waalwijk

IJsselmeervogels/JVC Cuijk vs. GVVV

Ajax Amateurs/De Valk vs. NEC Nijmegen

Jong Feyenoord/De Dijk vs. Fortuna Sittard

JOS Watergraafsmeer/vv Noordwijk vs. Ajax

Kozakken Boys/Stormvogels ’28 vs. FVC/Sportlust ’46

MSC/ONS vs. FC Dordrecht

MVV Maastricht vs. Helmond Sport

Oude Maas/DOSKO vs. De Graafschap

PEC Zwolle vs. FC Oss

PSV Eindhoven vs. FC Utrecht

Rijnsburgse Boys vs. Sparta Rotterdam

Roda JC Kerkrade vs. SC Heerenveen

Spakenburg vs. NAC Breda

VVV-Venlo vs. FC Eindhoven

VVSB vs. Vitesse Arnhem

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FEATURE, TOPKLASSE

An introduction to the Topklasse

August 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

With the excellent performances of the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup the spotlight has been thrust onto the Eredivisie, the much maligned elite competition in that country, where a vast number of the squad ply their trade. This most recent World Cup showcased the excellent potential within the Eredivisie which has seen some big money moves from some home grown talent. The Eredivisie is the top division in the Netherlands for a reason and commands the majority of the domestic football attention but the real hero of the Dutch football system are the amateur football clubs. These amateur football clubs, of which there is at least one of in every single Dutch town, are the heartbeat of the nation’s football system and are the breeding ground for the stars that we saw in the World Cup.

The amateur system in the Netherlands is massive and it’s said that Dutch people identify firstly with their local side before they side with one of the big Eredivisie clubs. The amateur football pyramid in the Netherlands is well organised and nationalised and the interest in results is keen. There are some huge clubs in the amateur system and the best attended club amateur club, Ijsselmeervogels, had a higher average attendance than 7 Eerste Divisie sides last season.

Amateur football in the Netherlands reaches its pinnacle with the Topklasse, which for all intents and purposes is the 3^rd tier of the Dutch football pyramid and sits below the Eerste Divisie. There is no direct promotion/relegation between the Eerste Divisie and Topklasse, apart from invited promotions such as Achilles 29 received last season. The main reason for this is the staunch view of most Topklasse sides to retain their amateur status and not jeopardise their club’s financial status by becoming professional. The Topklasse is split into 2 divisions, Zaterdag (Saturday) and Zondag (Sunday), which is a throwback to when the church ruled the roost in the country. The Zaterdag teams traditionally comprise of those clubs with Protestant backgrounds whilst the Zondag clubs are nominally Catholic. In a few weeks the 2014/5 season kicks off and here’s a bit of preview of the coming season. The Topklasse operates with the 2 top divisions and the winners of each division play off each year for the overall champion and the title ‘Best Amateur side in the Netherlands’.

Topklasse Zaterdag

The Zaterdag competition is arguably the strongest of the two and since the inception of the Topklasse 4 years ago a Zaterdag team has always won the Championship playoff against the corresponding Zondag side. There are some genuinely big clubs in this division and none more so than the 2 sides out of Spakenburg with Ijseelmeervogels and SV Spakenburg winning three of the four Topklasse championships to date. Matches between these 2 sides are equal of any derby anywhere in the Netherlands and the derby matches often draw 6500-7000 spectators. With this kind of support it’s again these 2 sides that will be the favourites this season and both have former Eredivisie players on their books – Dominique Scholten (Spakenburg) with Pascal Bosschaart & Achmed Ahahaoui (Ijsselmeervogels). The division is weakened this season with the surprise relegation of 2012/3 champs Katwijk to the Hoofdklasse.

Other contenders that will offer some competition to the Spakenburg sides include Rijnsburgse Boys (who lead the aggregate table from the past 4 seasons); GVVV (who tied with SV Spakenburg last season); Excelsior Maasluis (with former RKC player Kevin Vink in their squad) and the Berry Powel lead Kozakken Boys. Another interesting side in this year’s comp will be Ajax Amateurs, whose involvement in the Topklasse means that Ajax has teams in all 3 top divisions of Dutch football. Expect one or two surprises from newly promoted SC Genemuiden as well who have a very decent squad. The strugglers in this division should be the newly promoted duo of HSV Hoek and Sparta Nijkerk.

Topklasse Zondag

This division has been dominated in recent years by Achilles 29 but with their ‘promotion’ to the Eerste Divisie last year this division was wide open. Runaway winners from last campaign, AFC, should be in the mix again this season particularly given the class they have in former Eredivisie players, Yuri Rose and Karim Bridji. Their main challenges may well come from the likes of WKE, De Treffers and VVSB but this division looks decidedly weaker than the Zaterdag one. Of interest this year is the promotion of Koninklijke HFC from Haarlem, who are the oldest club in the country and have completed a meteoric rise over the past few seasons to help fill the void from the bankruptcy of HFC Haarlem a few years ago. Generally speaking though the Zondag division is a poor cousin to the Zaterdag one and even crowds are half as much in Zondag as they are in Zaterdag. A few clubs might struggle in this division this year but again expect the promoted sides of Hercules, OJC Rosmalen and EDO to find the going the most difficult.

So all is in readiness for another busy season of Dutch amateur football in the coming weeks and you can guarantee that the football loving folk will definitely be noticing what happens at this level.

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BETTING TIPS, JOHAN CRUIJFF SCHAAL

JOHAN CRUIJFF SCHAAL PREVIEW: Ajax vs. PEC Zwolle

August 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 3RD AUGUST 2014

AJAX vs. PEC ZWOLLE (17:00 BST)

The Amsterdam Arena will host the Johan Cruijff Schaal this Sunday afternoon, as Frank de Boer’s Ajax will look for retribution in their own backyard against Ron Jans’s PEC Zwolle by Will Burns.

Zwolle smashed five past the Amsterdammers in the KNVB Beker final last April at De Kuip, home of Feyenoord. The Dutch cup is only domestic championship that has evaded De Boer in his tenure in Amsterdam and Ajax headed into Rotterdam that day as heavy favourites. The Blauwvingers defied all the odds and not only defeated the reigning Eredivisie champions, but desecrated them.

Ajax got off to the dream start as defender Ricardo van Rhijn hit a long range effort into the roof of Diederik Boer’s goal after just three minutes. However, the Ajax fans turned their celebrations into a ten-minute stoppage in the match after hurling fireworks onto the De Kuip pitch. After the pleading from the stewards and police to stop the flare throwing, Ajax legend Edwin van der Sar entered the fray to plead with the disrupters which seemed to finally do the trick.

Those same fans were feeling rather foolish after the restart as Zwolle emerged full of spark (pun intended) and a deflected shot from young New Zealander Ryan Thomas levelled the scores right in front of the troublesome crowd area. As Jans had just finished his punching of the air on the sidelines, Thomas smashed home a second goal minutes later, latching on a rebound after a Maikel van der Werff free-kick cannoned back of the post. An inspirational performance from the impressive Kamohelo Mokotjo, capped off a breakthrough season for the South African midfielder, when he fed on-loan Feyenoord striker Guyon Fernandez in for a third after 22 minutes of play. Fernandez added a fourth before half-time before Bram van Polen hammered the final nail into Ajax’s coffin firing home from a corner just five minutes after the interval. Frank de Boer, his team and their fans trudged on their coaches that night with the tail firmly between their legs.

Highlights below of Zwolle’s 5-1 cup final win over Ajax – via Ajax TV

Both sides will line up with many changes to their squads over the summer. Ajax have lost creative attacker Siem de Jong to Newcastle United and veteran Danish holding midfielder Christian Poulsen, now at the ripe old age of 34, was surplus to requirements as his contract whittled down.

The recruitment this summer has seen some unproven but promising young talent arrive in Amsterdam. The highly-rated Richairo Zivkovic joined from FC Groningen and looks to play a massive part in Ajax’s defence of the Eredivisie title, as Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik was loaned in from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The 20-year-old Milik has impressed in pre-season, notching goals in many of the friendlies and looks like he could be a real threat instead of relying on Icelander Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, who only grabbed ten goals last season. Eventually signing a four-year deal is Robert Muric, 18-year-old Croatian midfielder, who’s move dragged on throughout the months after a contract wrangle with Dinamo Zagreb. The defence was also improved as Nick Viergever joined from rivals AZ Alkmaar for a fee of €2.5million.

In Zwolle, the core of the team has been diminished, which is very disappointing especially when the side are due to compete in European Football for the first time in their history. Big defender Darryl Lachman, a rock in the centre of defence last year, move onto FC Twente and striking pair Guyon Fernandez (a free agent after being released from Feyenoord) and Fred Benson (Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol) have moved on. Luckily for Jans, he still has Mokotjo, the star of the show, at his selction even though Frank de Boer has spoke about taking the midfielder and goalkeeper Diederik Boer to Ajax last month.

Jans has recruited well and could have unearthed a gem by signing Ben Rienstra from Heracles Almelo. Rienstra is a strong defensive midfielder that will protect the back four as well provide Mokotjo with support. Incoming from AZ Alkmaar is Finnish Under-21 international centre-back Thomas Lam as goalkeeper Boy de Jong, aged 20, signed on following his release from Feyenoord. Replacing Fernandez and Benson in attack are two Greek strikers, both with experience in German football. Twenty-year old centre forward Nikos Ioannidis arrives on a two-year loan with an option to buy from Olympiakos after scoring 6 goals in 30 games last season for Hansa Rostock. Finally, Dimitrios Ferfelis arrives from TuS Koblenz after notching 17 goals in 52 games over the last two terms in Regionalliga Südwest division.

As for the history between the two clubs, obviously, Ajax possesses the far superior record in meetings. In nine prior encounters, the Amsterdam giants have won seven, drawn one and the cup final defeat was their first and only loss so far.

Zwolle will put up a fight in this encounter; however, Ajax will desire to use this game as a launching pad for another successful season. Ajax needs vengeance, while Zwolle wants another scalp and their first Johan Cruijff Schaal, stopping Frank de Boer from claiming his fifth Schaal in a row.

However, can history repeat itself and Zwolle cause an upset again? Online bookmakers Betfair does not seem to think so, they have Zwolle as the major underdog at a massive 9/1 to overcome the Eredivisie champions.

For our best bet, I look at the goals market. Ajax have no shortage of firepower and I feel revenge will be served with the Amsterdammers seeing off Zwolle with ease. A 3-1 or 4-1 victory seems likely with chances produced at both ends, with 9/1 and 14/1 being offered respectively. Although our safest bet sees Over 3.5 Goals which is valued at 11/10 at Betfair and I see that our recommended punt.

BEST BET: Over 3.5 Goals (11/10 – Betfair) – Click here to join Betfair and claim up to £50 in free bets.

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FEATURE

The Rotterdam derby

August 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Rotterdam is the only city in Holland with three professional football clubs. Eindhoven has only two clubs with PSV Eindhoven and FC Eindhoven. Feyenoord is the most well known of the three but the other two clubs, Sparta Rotterdam and Excelsior also have interesting histories and have always played a huge role in ensuring the derby games are colorful, exciting and eventful. The last game derby game was played between Feyenoord and Excelsior in 2012, sadly Sparta Rotterdam no longer play in the Eredivisie as they were relegated. However, Excelsior achieved promotion last season and the Rotterdam derby will return this year.

Feyenoord is located in the Feijenoord district of South Rotterdam and Excelsior is located in the Kralingen district of East Rotterdam with Sparta can be found in Spangen, a district in West Rotterdam in Delfshaven. On a special note, Sparta is the oldest professional club in Holland, founded in 1888. They have won six Eredivisie titles and three KNVB cups. Excelsior sadly have won no trophies in the top flight but only some trophies in the lower divisions, but they were one of Holland’s first working class football clubs.

Traditionally the Feyenoord versus Sparta derby game is the biggest. History and class differences have played a huge role in this. Rotterdam unlike other Dutch cities is a working class town but while Feyenoord and Excelsior were founded in working class districts, Sparta was founded in a time in Holland when football was for the upper class only.

The Feyenoord versus Excelsior fixtures are a bit more low key now as since 1996 Excelsior has been the feeder club for Feyenoord. Both clubs have also created a regional youth academy called Feyenoord Academy and have merged both clubs reserve teams. Over the years Feyenoords youth academy players were able to gain important training and experience as a result. But, for many Excelsior fans, who are strongly against the partnership, they feel that the club has sold its soul and thus for them it is a heated rivalry tho one which is not reciprocated by the fans of Feyenoord.

In the end, Rotterdam is a proudly working class town. As one Sparta fan once famously said: “Rotterdam makes all the money, the Hague divides all the money and Amsterdam wastes all the money“.

These three football clubs bring some exciting fixtures to the season with their stadiums, fans, stories, backgrounds and colors. The return to the Eredivisie for both Excelsior and Sparta can only be a good thing for Dutch football, the city of Rotterdam and the excitement of the league.

FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

A long season awaits for these five Eredivisie goalkeepers

August 2, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

I expect it to be a busy season for many goalkeepers in the Eredivisie, but no other number ones will feel the pressure quite like the following keepers mentioned in this piece. I can only imagine that the 2014/15 campaign will be remembered for either all the right or wrong reasons for these five men writes Kalkeren Kieran.

JELLE TEN ROUWELAAR (NAC Breda)

It is never easy being a keeper in these times but being captain of the club along with the responsibility of holding the goal really brings it into a different level of pressure. In which NAC Breda’s first choice stopper this season will be once again the 33 year-old Jelle ten Rouwelaar.

Already appearing a remarkable 236 times for the club, Ten Rouwelaar has spent virtually all of his livelihood in the Netherlands, appearing for Austria Wien for one year out of his fifteen-year long career.

At the age of 33, there is no doubt that he will be depending on all of his experience this season to lead the side. His main objective will be to keep them out of any trouble and another season to look forward to in the top flight, however it will not be easy for this Dutch-born star, as the side conceded 54 goals last season finishing with a -11 goal difference. Considering 11 of the 54 were scored in the last ten minutes of the game, means that concentration will be key for the side staying out of trouble during the 2014/15 campaign.

LEONARD NIENHUIS (SC Cambuur)

SC Cambuur will be relying on 24-year-old Nienhuis to keep the goals out this season. Although he is currently recovering from a serious injury sustained from late last season, his return is unknown. I am sure all the supporters of Cambuur will be hoping that he recovers in time for the first week of the season, as the team face an impressive FC Twente side at home in Leeuwarden.

I am sure if the Cambuur stand any chance of taking something out of the opening weekend they will need Nienhuis to be in tip-top shape. Mainly due to the fact, that the first choice stopper is recovering from injury, Cambuur have three keepers in their squad for this coming season, including Harm Zeinstra and Jurjan Wouda.

After winning the Eerste Divisie with the club in the 2011/12 season, Nienhuis knows what it is like to taste success. However, as everyone knows not all clubs are capable of continued success, and this upcoming campaign. I cannot imagine Cambuur’s expectations are higher than a play-off place into the Europa league qualifying round and this season could be a real battle for the club, to prove that they are worthy of a spot in the Eredivisie for the 2015/16 season.

Last season Cambuur’s opponents scored first 17 times out of a possible 34 matches, although the team only conceded a -10 goal difference, unlike other teams such as FC Utrecht or Go Ahead Eagles.

FILIP KURTO (FC Dordrecht)

Born on Olsztyn, Poland, Kurto could be the first name on the FC Dordrecht team sheet, as the side attempt to avoid the drop zone this season and resist exiting the Eredivisie in their first year back.

The 23-year-old may be remembered for his embarrassing own-goal last year during the 3-3 draw against FC Utrecht while keeping goal for Roda JC. He was released by the club and in July 2014, he signed a contract for the newly promoted FC Dordrecht.

I believe this will be a massive chance for the Pole to prove himself in the Dutch top flight and also to demonstrate to his old side that he should not have been let go so easily. Kurto is no stranger to Eredivisie football after appearing 65 times for Roda JC in the last two campaigns. As a relatively young keeper, I would love to see this number one at Dordrecht having the season of his life. I have high hopes for this club in general this coming season, however they will have to build from the back and no better way to do it than to start off with a keeper that has a safe pair of hands.

JORDY DECKERS (Excelsior)

Deckers will be preparing for a busy season ahead as his club Excelsior Rotterdam in their fight to try to avoid the drop zone like so many other clubs this season.

The 6ft 3 inches goalkeeper has appeared 54 times prior for Excelsior. He was a large part of the Rotterdam side’s promotion success last year as Deckers went on to play 38 Eerste Divisie matches and appeared in the four play-off matches.

The Dutchman will be out to do his best this upcoming season and there is no doubt, that the pressure will be on. Hopefully he can return from his summer break with a smoking hot pair of gloves to keep this club in the league. Success could be discovered by the club by competing in the KNVB Beker and doing respectablely well. This would be a great positive for the club, which I believe can only go into this season with realistic views and not get too eager.

All eyes in the Woudestein will be on Deckers this coming season, as his inexperienced defence will come under immense strain from the attacking forces of several of the top sides.

KOSTAS LAMPROU (Willem II)

Beginning his loan spell at Willem II for this campaign, Lamprou will be hoping he can show his parent club Feyenoord that he is worthy of a place in their starting eleven.

Born in Athens, Lamprou could be in the spotlight every weekend as his side attempt to fight for their lives in the Eredivisie. In 2012, he received the call from Greece national side, due to his consistency. However, his lack of height has continued to hinder his goalkeeping career, as he has received criticism from past stars of the game for only being 5ft 10. Which is a tad small for a regular keeper of this day and age, but this should not be too much of a factor for Lamprou this season.

Either way, the Greek keeper will have his work cut out for him this season and keeping a well mannered defence will be his main priority.

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EURO 2016, EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, KNVB, NETHERLANDS, NEWS, ORANJE

Hiddink returns as Oranje head coach

August 1, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Guus Hiddink was introduced today as the new Netherlands coach to lead Oranje into the European Championship 2016 qualifiers. The 67-year-old has vowed that he will compile a team that will play “attractive but practical football” writes Will Burns.

New Oranje head coach Hiddink (centre) poses with assistants van Nistelrooy (right) and Blind (left).

Hiddink has already had a spell as head coach of his country in 1995 for a three-year tenure and is well coveted inside the Netherlands. He led PSV Eindhoven to a record-breaking six Eredivisie championships and four KNVB Bekers but, perhaps his greatest achievement, was taking underdogs South Korea, to a last four finish in their own backyard at the 1998 World Cup finals.

Hiddink has been named to replace Louis van Gaal earlier this year as Van Gaal had stated he wished to return to club management and later accepted the manager’s job at Manchester United. Hiddink has large shoes to fill as Van Gaal himself pulled off a great World Cup feat himself this summer, leading Oranje to third place and bronze medal in Brazil.

As the KNVB unveiled Hiddink, he said at the press conference: “First and foremost, bravo to the team, both the players and the technical staff who worked under Louis van Gaal.” He added: “There will not be many changes, I felt great enthusiasm on starting my first official day of work today.”.

Hiddink stated that he wished to keep faith in the ‘Dutch school’ while also hoping to maintain the “instinct of survival” that Van Gaal had established inside the team.

Hiddink has been out of coaching work since leaving Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in July last year, but at the end of last season acted as a consultant for Philip Cocu at PSV.

The deal Hiddink has signed with the KNVB runs through to the end of the 2016 European Championships in France, after which he will be replaced by current assistant Danny Blind. His other assistant will be former Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

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EUROPA LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE REPORT

EUROPA LEAGUE: PSV 1-0 St. Polten

July 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

THURSDAY 31ST JULY

EUROPA LEAGUE – THIRD ROUND QUALIFYING – FIRST LEG

PSV 1-0 ST. POLTEN

PSV may rue the missing opportunities inside the Philips Stadion tonight as they will travel to Austria next week with a slender 1-0 lead over SKN St Pölten.

Philip Cocu chose a young side to face the Austrian Eerst Liga side with new signing Luuk de Jong spearheading the attack. Jeroen Zoet started in goal with an inexperienced back-four of Joshua Brenet, Jorrit Hendrix, Jeffrey Bruma and Abel Tamata ahead of him. In midfield, Oskar Hiljemark, Adam Maher and Marcel Ritzmaier lined up, with the latter returning from a successful period on loan at Cambuur last year. On the wings supporting De Jong saw Luciano Narsingh and Jurgen Locadia looking to supply the chances.

Although a young eleven was selected, the expectations inside the Philips Stadion was that PSV would send St. Polten back home with a hiding. That did not materialise. The Austrians arrived well organised and out to stifle the Eredivisie giants and stifle they did.

PSV could not get the ball into the box without an Austrian head or foot booting it away. No matter how much possession the hosts had they were unable to test the St. Polten goalkeeper Patrick Kostner. The major threats, ironically came from PSV’s Austrian midfielder Ritzmaier but he could not get his efforts from outside of the box on target.

After the team went into the break goal-less, PSV emerged with a grip on the game and the opening goal finally came on 56 minutes. Luciano Narsingh weaved some magic and placed a pin-point accurate ball to the back post where Luuk de Jong was waiting to head home.

Unable to add a second goal, it got worse late on for PSV. Stupidly, substitute Florain Jozefzoon received a double booking within four minutes by referee Slavko Vinčić for diving.

PSV head to Austria next week with the goal advantage and will need to improve if they wish to comfortably enter the next round.

TEAMS

PSV: Zoet, Brenet, Bruma, Hendrix, Tamata, Maher, Hiljemark, Ritzmaier (Vloet 78), Narsingh (Jozefzoon 72), De Jong, Locadia.

SUBS NOT USED: Pasveer, Koch, Leemans, De Wijs, Boljevic.

GOALS: De Jong 56.

BOOKINGS: De Jong 80, Jozefzoon 90.

SENT OFF: Jozefzoon 90+3.

ST. POLTEN: Kostner, Huber, Wislo, Grasegger, Holzmann (Ambichi 65), Stec, Parada Calvillo, Kerschbaumer, Hofbauer, Segovia (Noel 76), Fucik (Hartl 46).

SUBS NOT USED: Riegler, Brandl, Schibany, Hayden.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Segovia 30.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Feyenoord sign talented 19-year-old

July 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Feyenoord have finally strengthened their squad with the signing of highly-rated winger Bilal Basacikoglu from Heerenveen for a reported €3.5 million.

The 19-year-old joins on a four year deal and will add some much needed quality in attack after a lacklustre forward display against Beşiktaş last night in their 2-1 defeat in the Champions League qualifier.

Feyenoord must now press on to purchase a goalscorer as Basacikoglu can create chances for fun. Last season, only Hakim Ziyech (68) and Alfred Finnbogason (55) created more efforts than Basacikoglu (40) at Heerenveen.

However, he can add goals too, scoring six goals in 25 appearances last term and had the highest shot accuracy of all the Heerenveen squad with at least 25 shots together with Finnbogason (also 56%).

Check the video below for a perfect example of his attacking prowess with this excellent solo goal against NEC Nijmegen.

Feyenoord’s technical director Martin van Geel stated on Feyenoord.nl: “Our policy is aimed to fill with great talents from outside, we are delighted with the arrival of Bilal Basacikoglu, a multi-year contract signing, who will get the opportunity to develop further.

All stats provided by Martijn Hilhorst

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Feyenoord sign Aussie Luke Wilkshire

July 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Feyenoord have continued their bizarre transfer strategy today by bringing in 32-year-old Australian defender Luke Wilkshire from Dinamo Moscow. So far this summer, the Rotterdam side have sold off some of their brightest young stars such as Stefan de Vrij (Lazio), Bruno Martins Indi (Porto), Graziano Pelle (Southampton) and Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle) to bring in so far only Wilkshire and another veteran Khalid Boulahrouz.

Wilkshire of course had his best career spell whilst in the Eredivisie with FC Twente before his big money move to Russia in 2008, where he was rumoured to have been the highest earning Australian football player whilst at Dynamo. It was Guus Hiddink, then in charge of Australia, who recommended the Eredivisie to Wilkshire after the 2006 World Cup and certainly his spell at Twente was very fruitful. Hiddink liked the technical side of Wilkshire’s game and selected him for the 2006 World Cup whilst he was still playing for Bristol City, such was his confidence in him. Wilkshire was a mainstay for the Australian side between 2006 and 2011 and played in 2 World Cup’s in that time.

Due to his regular playing time with Dynamo last season, Wilkshire made the preliminary squad for the 2014 World Cup and was in line to make the final cut after injury doubts to his challenger for the right sided defence position, Ivan Franjic. Manager Ange Postecolglou threw a last minute shock on selection eve for the final squad though by omitting Wilkshire and preferring a half-fit Franjic instead. It is alleged that Postecolglou was not impressed with Wilkshire’s attitude in the pre-Cup camp and certainly he looked decidedly out of shape in some of the lead up games to the World Cup. Wilkshire was also clearly out of favour in Moscow too and hence returns to the country where he made his name to try and salvage what is left of his career.

On the surface it seems a strange move by Feyenoord to replace the young and versatile Janmaat with someone like Wilkshire, who seems to have gone past his prime. It’s worth noting that new Feyenoord manager Fred Rutten was Wilkshire’s manager at Twente so he clearly is a fan and no doubt believes that he can get him back into shape and firing on all cylinders. At his best he is a marauding, attack minded defender with great technical and crossing ability so if Rutten can restore that player then he’s made a very shrewd move. For Wilkshire maybe the news that his Australian rival Franjic is also moving to Moscow (with Torpedo Moscow) convinced him that it was time to leave Russia for pastures anew.

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EREDIVISIE, NEWS, TRANSFERS

QPR close in on double signing

July 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

News is emerging today on VI.nl that QPR are closing in on the signings of Leroy Fer and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, both of whom would be decent additions to an already talented squad. It’s clear Harry Redknapp is continuing to use his wide range of players to get value for money in the transfer market, something that QPR failed to do last time they were in the Premier League. Marc Overmars told VI.nl that they are close to an agreement with the London based side for their Icelandic striker, while the website also confirmed that a fee had been agreed for the Norwich midfielder, who impressed in the Premier League last season writes Jacob Jackman.

Last season for Norwich, Leroy Fer was one of the standout players, showing his capabilities in both halves of the pitch as he played a box to box role for the Canaries. Although he only scored three goals, Norwich were a team which struggled to fine the net, which makes his tally a little more impressive. QPR will benefit from the Dutch international’s energy in the middle of the park and his talent for playing defence splitting through balls will be welcomed as they need more creativity in their side.

The fee for Fer is believed to be around €6m, which will prove to be a snip for QPR as he is still only 24 and has the talent to move to a bigger club in the future if he continues to progress. It is also a deal which lacks risk as the club know the Norwich player can shine in the Premier League. Although there were some reports that linked Fer with a move to Southampton, it appears that the transfer to QPR will be wrapped up in the coming days, making any movements to hijack the deal unlikely. Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports News today that Fer is one of the club’s main targets, when a manager talks openly about an incoming transfer, it normally indicates a deal is close to being completed.

Meanwhile, Marc Overmars has told VI.nl “I have had some good talks with QPR over Kolbeinn. We are pretty close to each other regarding the transfer fee, but the player’s demands are obviously important as well. I think QPR is a good opportunity for Kolbeinn. Just look at how Wilfried Bony fares in the Premier League. He has already caught the attention of some major clubs after just one year in England.”

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has been targeted to add more goals to a QPR front line which was too dependent on Charlie Austin last season, who is untested at the highest level. The Ajax striker has impressed in the Eredivisie, scoring 39 goals in 91 league matches for Ajax and AZ combined, while he has 15 in 23 caps for Iceland, showing that he is a prolific goalscorer. He is a complete forward, capable of scoring all kinds of goal, and he can also play well with his feet, as you would expect from an Ajax player. Some have compared him with compatriot Eider Gudjohnson and they aren’t inaccurate, QPR will be getting a very talented player. The fee is believed to be around £5m, which could prove to be one of the moves of the summer.

If QPR manage to complete these two deals, it could be seen as a coup for a promoted side, but the London club have a good squad and a manager who is respected around the world, they have the perfect set up to attract players. They should be able to deal with the top flight better this time around and these two will become key parts of the side, if as expected, they join the squad at Loftus Road. Both players could go onto greater things in the game and will need to be consistent performers for QPR to attract bigger clubs. Although this may be seen as a negative reason to move to a new club, it is better for a side like QPR to recruit hungry young players than players who are only interested in a big pay day. That was their fault last time.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REPORT

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Feyenoord 1-2 Besiktas

July 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

WEDNESDAY 30TH JULY

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – THIRD ROUND QUALIFYING – FIRST LEG

FEYENOORD 1 – 2 BEŞIKTAŞ

A late penalty gave Feyenoord a major lifeline in the Champions League qualifying tie with Beşiktaş after failing to impress in the 2-1 defeat inside De Kuip this evening.

It was a very unfamiliar side fielded by Fred Rutten, heavily depleted from this summer’s transfers. Ruben Schaken moved into the unusual right-back position with youngster Sven van Beek partnering veteran Joris Mathijsen in the centre. Dutch international Terence Kongolo began on the left of defence with Jordy Clasie and Tonny Vilhena protecting the back four, and Lex Immers pressing on. Jean-Paul Boetuis and Wesley Verhoek appeared on the wings giving support to inexperienced front-man Mitchell te Vrede.

Feyenoord, roared on by 50,000 Rotterdammers, exploded out the blocks and attacked the boys from Istanbul from the off, however, failed to create any decent chances. In fact, their first shot on goal did not arrive until three minutes before half-time, and it was a poor effort by Boëtius who dragged his shot wide of the target.

After it being all the home side for the first 13 minutes, the Turkish side got the opening goal from a corner on 13 minutes. The set-piece was whipped in and some terrible marking by Mathijsen allowed Mustafa Pektemek to rise above and head home to grab a vital away goal.

Throughout the first 45 minutes, Feyenoord struggled to break down Beşiktaş, the team who kept the most clean sheets in the Turkish top flight last season. The visitors looked in shape and well prepared by coach Slaven Bilic and pressed Feyenoord back, as De Kuip became frustrated and the game develop into a scrappy affair. With four bookings pulled out of Italian referee Luca Banti’s pocket in an uneventful first half.

After the interval, it was more of the same and inside the final twenty minutes the Turkish side wrapped up the victory. The impressive Kerim Koyunlu sprinted down the right wing unmarked and emerged into the area. He lashed a shot towards goal that goalkeeper Mulder looked to have covered but unfortunately it took a wicked deflection off substitute Khalid Boulahrouz and into the net.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of the crowd but gave Feyenoord a little life. However, they started to press more and gained some success forcing saves out of Tolga Zengin. But it was late on where the home supporters got a little relief.

The Feyenoord fans went home a tad happier after Ramon Motta conceded a penalty for a foul on tricky substitute Elvis Manu three minutes into stoppage time. Young striker Mitchell te Vrede converted the spot kick to give Beşiktaş a slender lead into the second leg next Wednesday night.

TEAMS

FEYENOORD: Mulder, Schaken (Boulahrouz 61), Van Beek, Mathijsen, Kongolo, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena, Verhoek (Manu 65), Te Vrede, Boëtius.

SUBS NOT USED: Hahn, Vormer, Nelom, Karsdorp, Achahbar.

GOALS: Te Verde 90+4P.

BOOKINGS: Verhoek 31, Boëtius 39.

BESIKTAS: Zengin, Kurtulus, Franco, Gülüm, Motta, Koyunlu (Cenk Tosun 89), Uysal, Özyakup (Ba 59), Hutchinson, Şahan (Ismail Koybasi 75), Pektemek.

SUBS NOT USED: Cenk Gonen, Sivok, Boral, Holosko.

GOALS: Pektemek 13, Koyunlu 71.

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

NEWS, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT, TRANSFERS

Fulham & West Brom impressed by Jason Davidson but where he is?

July 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Jason Davidson, the young Heracles defender, was one of the standout performers in Australia’s recent World Cup campaign but rather than using this as great exposure, Davidson appears to have gone AWOL.

Davidson is caught up in a contract dispute with Heracles, wherein the player was under the impression his contract had expired and he was free to leave. The club, on the other hand, claim that he had a 1-year extension option, which was their right to trigger, and as such he is contracted to the Almelo based club for the 2014/5 season. The problem with all of this is that no one knows where Davidson is at the moment!

Davidson, who himself fancies opportunities in Germany or England, is believed to have gone to England after the World Cup to trial with both Fulham and West Bromwich Albion. Both clubs are said to have been impressed with the left sided defender and were prepared to offer him a contract, until Heracles jumped and claimed he was still their player and a transfer fee would need to be negotiated. Davidson appears to have gone underground to try and resolve this issue and it is believed that he definitely does not want to play for Heracles any more.

His departure would be a blow for Heracles, after his breakout season last campaign, with his pace and technical ability proving a great asset on the left side of their defence. On the strength of his strong season with Heracles, Davidson was drafted into the Australian World Cup to take the troublesome left sided defender role. He played in all three of Australia’s World Cup matches to follow in the footsteps of his father, Alan, who won 79 caps for the Socceroos.

The 23-year old Davidson was born in Melbourne but travelled the world as a youngster as his Dad’s career flourished. There was no doubt in Jason’s mind from an early age that he was going to follow in his father’s footsteps. Whilst other talented youngsters around him were trying their luck with European sides, Davidson went to Japan instead to famed youth academy, Seiritsu Gakuen. Davidson openly admits that this time was the toughest of his life, being away from his family in a totally different culture and being an outsider but it also taught him resilience and great technical skills that would hold him in good stead. After turning down offers from back home in Australia, Davidson moved to Portugal with Pacos de Ferreira where he made a handful of appearances. He also spent some time on load at Sporting Covilha before being picked up by Heracles, where he has played 46 games in the last three campaigns.

A good technical player with the ball at his feet and with excellent physical attributes Davidson was well suited to the Eredivisie but seemingly he has decided that his development would be best served elsewhere. Whatever the final outcome is in this intriguing tale, one can only hope that Jason makes the most of his skill and current reputation and finds a club that can continue his development as a key component of a youthful Australian side.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Atletico agree snip fee for Liverpool target

July 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Last week heavily linked with Liverpool last week, Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Belgian wonderkid, Zakaria Bakkali from PSV Eindhoven for a fee said to be between €2-3 million. While the fee has been agreed between the club, the player and club are yet to agree on a contract.

De Telegraaf reported the news on Wednesday mentioning that their sources were within the Madrid team’s camp. The contract situation that PSV have left themselves in with Bakkali has left them somewhat powerless. His contract expires at the end of next season and the Dutch club are concerned that they will loss the versatile winger for nothing when that times comes.

Due to the fact that negotiations broke down during tense talks over his contract means Bakkali was more than likely out the door next summer, and PSV have decided to jump before they were pushed with the Belgian international of Moroccan descent.

Atletico Madrid continue to reinvest the money they have made of their best players this summer with another signing for the future and have landed the Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal target with little or no aplomb. The La Liga Champions are not taking any prisoners in the transfer market this summer in an attempt to keep up with their rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona domestically and in Europe.