Tag Archives: NEC Nijmegen

EREDIVISIE REPORT: Week Two

August 15, 2016 Will Burns Leave a comment

As always, Steven Davies is on hand to inform you of all the action in Week two of the Eredivisie.

Week two of the 2016/17 Eredivisie season got underway on Friday night at the Abe Lenstra Stadion where, for the second week in succession, Jurgen Streppel’s Heerenveen came from behind to share the spoils in a four-goal affair.

In contrast to Streppel’s delight, his opposite number, FC Utrecht coach, Erik ten Hag, was left feeling short-changed, not only by the controversial manner in which the home side squared the score-line – a goalmouth scramble (which could just as easily have resulted in a free kick to the visiting side) following a Heerenveen corner which was finished by Iranian international, Reza Ghoochannejhad in the 69^th minute, but also the fact that ten Hag’s men had, for the second week in succession, put in a performance worthy of much more than the single point his side ultimately left Friesland with following two quick-fire goals in three minutes just after the half hour mark – a Sebastien Haller penalty followed by a Bart Ramselaar cracker from well outside the area that had initially overturned Luciano Slagveer’s 12^th minute opener for the home side.

Despite being just two weeks into the 2016/17 campaign, things are rapidly reaching crisis proportions in Groningen after Ernest Faber’s men followed up last week’s humiliating pounding at the hands of Feyenoord by slipping to an embarrassing defeat to Feyenoord’s Rotterdam neighbours, Excelsior in the early evening fixture on Saturday.

By sharp contrast, new Excelsior coach, Mitchell van der Gaag has enjoyed a perfect start with two wins on the bounce. A glancing header from 23-year-old central defender, Jurgen Mattheij after just two minutes had elapsed at the Stadion Woudestein followed by an incredible David Beckham-esque, Kevin Vermeulen lob from inside his own half of the field just seconds after Groningen ‘keeper Sergio Padt had rattled the Excelsior post with a header after coming up for a last-gasp free kick in the second minute of stoppage time secured the points for the tiny Rotterdam outfit and left Groningen at the bottom of the early season standings.

Mitchell van der Gaag wasn’t the only coach celebrating an unlikely six-point haul from his side’s opening two fixtures of the season after Zeljko Petrovic guided ADO Den Haag to an unlikely victory over Vitesse Arnhem at the GelreDome.

Things had started well for Henk Fraser’s side – Ricky van Wolfswinkel putting the Arnhem outfit in the ascendancy after 22 minutes, but ADO were back on level terms just after the half hour through Gervane Kastaneer who struck again just after the hour mark to secure all three points for the men from The Hague.

The surprising results continued at the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday evening. With the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff against Russian club, Rostov on the horizon on Tuesday evening, Ajax coach, Peter Bosz surprisingly elected against shuffling his pack for the visit of Roda JC. A Kasper Dolberg brace either side of an Adil Auassar effort should have been enough to see de Godenzonen past the plucky Kerkrade outfit. However, a Tom van Hyfte equaliser deep into stoppage time salvaged a point for the visitors despite Frederic Ananou seeing red for Yannis Anastasiou’s men after picking up his second yellow card of the match with seconds remaining on the clock.

Saturday’s Eredivisie action concluded at the MAC3PARK Stadion in Zwolle where the home side were incredibly hit for three without reply by newly promoted Sparta. A well taken goal from Loris Brogno following a deft back-heel from Stijn Spierings and Aussie forward, Craig Goodwin’s deflected effort either side of the half time interval set the visitors on their way to victory with Brogno adding a touch of the emphatic to the score line for the reigning Eerste Divisie champions with three minutes to go.

Heracles easily dispatched a woeful Willem II in Almelo in Sunday’s early fixture – racing out to a three goal lead through an Iliass Bel Hassani freekick after 26 minutes followed by a Paul Gladon double after the interval. Erik Falkenburg’s spectacular lob of Heracles ‘keeper, Bram Castro may well prove to be a strong contender for Goal of the Week in the Eredivisie but, with just 8 minutes left on the clock, it proved too little too late for Erwin van de Looi’s men who have now conceded an alarming seven goals in their opening two matches of 2016/17.

Two teams seemingly moving in polar opposite directions met a De Kuip where Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s, Feyenoord overcame the spirited but ultimately futile efforts of Rene Hake’s beleaguered FC Twente. Jens Toornstra opened the scoring for the Rotterdammers on 23 minutes but the anticipated avalanche of goals failed to materialise thereafter as the home side found their counterparts from Enschede in stubborn mood – Nicolai Jorgensen’s second goal of the season eventually putting the game to bed with ten minutes remaining to leave Feyenoord perched atop of the fledgling Eredivisie table on goal difference.

A real ‘game of two halves’ unfolded in Deventer where newly promoted Go Ahead Eagles found themselves under immense pressure during a first half dominated in terms of chances and possession by Peter Hyballa’s NEC Nijmegen – the visitors deservedly taking the lead when a Quincy Owusu Abeyie through-ball split the Eagles’ brittle back line and put Kevin Mayi in the clear – the forward beating ‘keeper, Theo Zwarthoed with a low drive.

However, despite the visitor’s first half dominance, the second stanza began with the home side on the front foot – Hans de Koning’s charges equalising through a 25 yard thunderbolt from skipper, Sander Duits just four minutes after the resumption before Estonian import, Henrik Ojamaa cut in from the right and curled a well-placed effort into the top right hand corner of Joris Delle’s net to send the raucous home crowd at De Adelaarshorst into ecstasy just short of the hour mark.

But, the Deventer-based outfit failed to emulate fellow promoted side, Sparta’s exploits from the previous day – being denied their first win back in the top flight by Frenchman, Mayi, who, having exchanged a quick one-two on half way following the breakdown of an attack by a home side in search on their third of the afternoon, found himself once more one on one with Zwarthoed who he beat for a second time to tie the score at two apiece but neither team could fashion a winning goal.

The second round of matches was rounded out in Eindhoven where reigning champions, PSV squeezed past a resolute AZ Alkmaar in a largely uneventful encounter thanks to a Hector Moreno header after 52 minutes of play at the Philips Stadion.

RESULTS

SC Heerenveen 2-2 FC Utrecht

Excelsior 2-0 Groningen

Vitesse 1- 2 ADO Den Haag

AFC Ajax 2-2 Roda JC

PEC Zwolle 0-3 Sparta Rotterdam

Heracles 3-1 Willem II

Feyenoord 2-0 FC Twente

Go Ahead Eagles 2-2 NEC Nijmegen

PSV Eindhoven 1-0 AZ Alkmaar

RESULTS

NEC Nijmegen 1-1 PEC Zwolle

ADO Den Haag 3-0 Go Ahead Eagles

FC Utrecht 1-2 PSV Eindhoven

FC Twente 1-2 Excelsior

Willem II 1-4 Vitesse Arnhem

Groningen 0-5 Feyenoord

AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Heerenveen

Sparta Rotterdam 1-3 AFC Ajax

Roda JC 1- 1 Heracles

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EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE REPORT: Week One

August 8, 2016 Will Burns Leave a comment

Week one is in the books and here is Steven Davies with a full rundown of the action.

The 61^st season of the Eredivisie kicked off on Friday 5^th August with PEC Zwolle travelling to Nijmegen to face NEC – now under the stewardship of German, Peter Hyballa. The visitors hit the front shortly after the half hour with new signing, Anass Achahbar teeing up Ajax loanee, Queensy Menig with a deft back heel. However, Ron Jans and his charges were pegged back just after the hour when new signing, Reagy Ofosu beat the offside trap and scored on his debut to leave honours even at the Goffertstadion.

On Saturday, it was the turn of the first of the two promoted teams, with Go Ahead Eagles – having negotiated a tough promotion/relegation playoff campaign against first, VVV and then De Graafschap – travelling to The Hague to face ADO. However, it was not to be a fairy tale return to the Dutch top flight for Hans de Koning’s Eagles, who, despite looking dangerous in front of goal on numerous occasions throughout the match, conceded a penalty just after the quarter hour which Japanese international, Mike Havenaar duly converted before adding a second with twenty minutes remaining. ADO, now under the guidance of Zeljko Petrovic following the departure of Henk Fraser to Vitesse, then added a third through Tyronne Ebuehi with eight minutes left on the clock as the Eagles chased the game in vain.

After adding the Johan Cruijff Schaal to their burgeoning trophy cabinet following last weekend’s triumph over KNVB Beker winner’s, Feyenoord in the season opening showpiece, reigning Eredivisie champions, PSV Eindhoven began the defence of their title with a trip to Utrecht and were shocked when Sebastien Haller put Erik ten Hag’s men a goal to the good just after the quarter hour.

However, second half strikes by first, Davy Propper in the 51^st minute and then Gaston Pereiro with 10 minutes to play, ensured that normal service was resumed and that Phillip Cocu’s men left the Stadion Galgenwaard with all three points.

Having staved off demotion and potential financial oblivion over the summer, FC Twente could not however withstand a stubborn Excelsior side who took all three points from their visit to De Grolsch Veste on Saturday evening.

Kevin Vermeulen put the visitors into the ascendancy after only 13 minutes had elapsed in Enschede before Leeroy Owusu doubled the Rotterdammers lead just after the hour mark and, despite Jari Oosterwijk pulling a goal back for Rene Hake’s men with eight minutes remaining, Excelsior – now under the tutelage of Mitchell van der Gaag – were good value for their victory.

The visitors were also celebrating in Saturday’s late fixture where Henk Fraser’s Vitesse put four past Erwin van de Looi’s, Willem II in Tilburg.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel – making his re-debut for the club where his career began – put the Arnhem outfit in front after 21 minutes before a calamitous own goal by Willem II’s Greek goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou followed by a brace from Chelsea loanee, Nathan gave the visitors a healthy advantage going into the break. The Tilburg side did manage to add some respectability through a solitary header from Spanish striker, Fran Sol after 54 minutes but a miraculous comeback failed to materialise.

Sunday’s Eredivisie action began at the Noordlease Stadion in Groningen where Ernest Faber’s men were thrashed by an impressive individual display by Eljero Elia – who netted a hat trick in a 5-0 away triumph for Feyenoord.

It was the so often enigmatic Elia’s initial shot which, having been poorly dealt with by Groningen ‘keeper Sergio Padt, presented an open goal for Tonny Vilhena after 19 minutes had elapsed. Elia then smashed a crisp half volley past the helpless Padt following a Toornstra cross from the right before curling a well-placed strike into the top left hand corner from just inside the edge of the box on the stroke of half time.

Groningen offered little by way of attacking intent throughout the match and it came as little surprise when Elia completed his hat trick – tucking in the rebound after Padt had initially denied Vilhena on 56 minutes after which he left the stage with a dislocated finger – before new signing, Nicolai Jorgensen got off the mark for the Rotterdammers with his first goal in Feyenoord colours with seven minutes left to play.

It ended all square in Alkmaar where AZ and Heerenveen shared four goals. Markus Henriksen gave John van den Brom’s side the lead just after the half hour but the Frisian outfit – now under the guidance of former Willem II coach, Jurgen Streppel pegged the home side back through 21-year-old Swede, Arber Zeneli to send the sides in all square at the break.

Former Heracles striker, Wout Weghorst restored the home side’s advantage early in the second half – scoring a goal on his AZ debut from the penalty spot. However, the visitors responded once more with a strike from a former AZ player – Stijn Schaars ensuring the spoils were shared with eight minutes remaining.

After squeezing past PAOK in the Third Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Peter Bosz took his Ajax side to Het Kasteel in Rotterdam to face the second of the clubs to have won promotion to the Eredivisie for the 2016/17 season – Sparta.

A double by Ajax skipper Davy Klaassen was enough to secure passage through to the playoff round of the UEFA Champions League where the four-time European Cup winners will face the Russian side, Rostov for a place in the group stages of the tournament, and it was Klaassen again who popped up with a bullet header from an El Ghazi cross from the right to give his side the lead after just 5 minutes of play.

Alex Pastoor lead Sparta to the Eerste Divisie crown last term following six years in the wilderness and the new boys showed that they would be no push-overs this season when they pegged de Godenzonen back just three minutes later when a Sanusi free kick took a deflection from Gudelj to deceive Jasper Cillessen who fumbled the ball into the Ajax net.

However, Ajax weren’t to be denied and, despite the dismissal of Joel Veltman for two bookable offences with six minutes remaining, second half strikes by Daley Sinkgraven and Colombian, Mateo Cassierra ensured all three points went back to Amsterdam.

The first round of action was rounded out in Kerkrade, where Roda (under new coach, Yannis Anastasiou) and Heracles ended with honours even at the Parkstad Limburg Stadion – Czech, Jaroslav Navratil giving the home side the advantage just after the half hour mark before Adil Auassar equalised for the visitors with 18 minutes left to play.

RESULTS

NEC Nijmegen 1-1 PEC Zwolle

ADO Den Haag 3-0 Go Ahead Eagles

FC Utrecht 1-2 PSV Eindhoven

FC Twente 1-2 Excelsior

Willem II 1-4 Vitesse Arnhem

Groningen 0-5 Feyenoord

AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Heerenveen

Sparta Rotterdam 1-3 AFC Ajax

Roda JC 1- 1 Heracles

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

NEC v PEC Zwolle Preview and Betting Tips

August 5, 2016 Will Burns Leave a comment

This article is produced in association with

The new Eredivisie campaign is underway tonight and Will Burns begins with a preview of tonight’s opener. Read on and good luck…

Friday 4th August 2016 – 19:00BST

NEC NIJMEGEN v PEC ZWOLLE

The charismatic Ron Jans leads PEC Zwolle into the fourth season of his management and they open the season with a Friday night clash in Nijmegen. Where new head coach Peter Hyballa will be aiming to continue the good work of his predecessor Ernest Faber, who led NEC to a top-ten finish last campaign.

The hosts come into the game with no real injury concerns as the squad fighting fit ready for the new campaign, however the first XI named tonight will show many changes. Last season’s first teamers Christian Santos, Navarone Foor, Anthony Limbombe, Brad Jones, Lucas Woudenberg, Todd Kane and Marcel Ritzmaier have all moved onto bigger clubs or returned to parent clubs. Let me point out that, these players accounted for 30 of the 34 league goals scored by the team last year.

Recruitment has proven to bring bodies in, but not replace the quality. Defensive reinforcements Segun Owobowale and Robin Buwalda have arrived from ADO, while Bosnian Dario Dumic arrived from Danish side Brondby. In midfield, Australian Stefan Mauk flies in from Adelaide United and young German winger Julian von Haacke (22) joins from Werder Bremen without playing a professional game for the Bundesliga side.

Trying to emulate the impact of the departing Christian Santos last term, the scorer of 17 goals in all competitions will be Reagy Ofosu, signed from Austrian outfit, SV Grodig, however he only found the net twice in 16 appearances and failed to secure a contact with his efforts.

Defeating PEC Zwolle tonight is a big ask in my opinion with the talent at hand. Jans’ summer transfer window has gone considerably better than Hyballa’s and they line up tonight with a far better squad in my opinion.

As always, Zwolle have lost some first-teamers too but on this occasion rather than players heading to bigger clubs, it’s been a case of talents like Sheraldo Becker, Lars Veldwijk and Ouasim Bouy returning to their parent clubs. Highly-rated defender Thomas Lam was the only real talent leaving on a permanent basis to Nottingham Forest who has been decently replaced by a Ted van de Pavert from relegated De Graafschap.

Jans has once again capitalised on signing loanees as Ajax pair Queensy Menig and Django Warmerdam arrive for a season, as does Calvin Verdonk from Feyenoord and 18-year old Italian striker Hachim Mastour from AC Milan, who will wear number 98 this season, the highest in Eredivisie history.

Aiming to replace the goals of Veldwijk, is Anass Achahbar (#30 in the 2015 TDF Top 50) a permanent signing from Feyenoord. The 22-year-old attacker has seen few chances at De Kuip, but I am expecting big things this season under Jans’s coaching. With Menig, Youness Mokhtar and Mustafa Saymak providing for the striker, I can see Achahbar scoring at least 15 this season, possibly starting tonight at an overpriced 3/1 to score anytime with Bet365.

Looking across the squad and the potential line-up for Zwolle, I see nothing but quality that could achieve even better than the eighth place last campaign. In goal, is the highly-rated youngster Mickey van der Hart. Protecting him will be captain Bram van Polen and Calvin Verdonk at full-back while experienced head Dirk Marcellis will partner either Bart Schenkeveld or debutant Van de Pavert in the centre.

Up front, will see Achahbar flanked by Menig and the speedy wing-back Kingsley Ehizibue with the creativity of Moroccan international Mokhtar sitting in the behind them. The talents of Ryan Thomas, Max de Boom and Stef Nijland will be waiting on the bench if goals are needed later on.

In midfield, the pairing of Saymak and Wout Brama are vital to the team’s performance. Meanwhile, like I stated earlier, in comparison to the Nijmegen squad, I see PEC Zwolle winning this game tonight. There will be goals, as always in the majority of Eredivisie games, but I see backing Ron Jans’ boys to take home the victory at 7/5 again with Bet365.

TIP: PEC Zwolle to win (2PTS placed on 2.40 at Bet365)

TIP: Anass Achahbar to score anytime (2PTS placed on 4.00 at Bet365)

In addition to these tips keep an eye on Get Bet Smart’s Twitter account for their #SocialMediaExclusive tips including the very successful #DutchDouble.

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW – NEC Nijmegen’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh

September 25, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Alireza Jahanbakhsh – an exotic name which suits this technical gifted player. The Iranian playmaker is currently at his second season with N.E.C Nijmegen. One year in the Eredivisie and this season in the Jupiler League. TotalDutchFootball.com’s Martijn Hilhorst conducted an exclusive interview with the one and only ‘Prince of Persia’.

– What are the biggest differences between football in Iran and football in Holland?

‘In Iran players are more individually technical gifted while they don’t train on playing together. In the Netherlands I’ve learned to mix up technique and tactic’.

– In the beginning you had some adjustment issues in the Eredivisie, but eventually you were second in the ‘Talent of the Season’. What is your opinion about your first season in the Eredivisie?

‘It was a rough season, especially for the club. We lost many matches and we didn’t play well. Personally, I had some trouble adjusting in Holland. So, I was very happy that our fans had my back for the entire season. Despite the setbacks, I have developed myself significantly’.

– You said that you have developed greatly, but which qualities of yours (mentally or technically) approved significantly because of your transfer to an European competition?

‘Mentally I have become more disciplined. I came to N.E.C. to develop myself and completely focus on football and so far it’s a success.

– What is your greatest (personal) success with N.E.C?

‘It’s a bit odd to say, because we now know the previous seasons unfortunately ended with the relegation, but my two goals in the away game versus Ajax were amazing. The relieve in our team was huge and the fans where absolutely brilliant. Truly unbelievable.

– How difficult was the transition from playing on a World Cup to playing in the Jupiler League?

‘You really cannot compare it. With the WC you compete against the best players in the world. Iran did a good job if you look at our capacities. I couldn’t be more proud. Now, I am back with N.E.C and we are trying to become the champions in the Jupiler League this season, which is also an enormous challenge’.

– Wasn’t it hard for you to see teammates finding new clubs after the relegation?

‘No, it really wasn’t. I have to admit that it was a restless period, but I’m glad to still play at N.E.C. Of course, I have personal ambitions, but the conditions at N.E.C are tremendous and I am really looking forward to this season. Our team is really solid this season. We do have a great mix of personalities. And we all have the same goal this season: promotion.’

– You already scored four goals. With which amount of goals would you be satisfied?

‘I really cannot put a number on it. Of course, I would be thrilled with a lot of goals, but an assist is also a fantastic thing to do. I just want to be important for our team. I don’t mind if my addition to this are goals, assists or setting up some great attacks’.

– What is your ultimate goal for your football career? A certain competition or club? Or maybe international success with Iran?

On short term that would be qualifying for the Asian Cup with Iran and the Olympics in March 2015. My ultimate goal? To inspire young Iranian kids growing up without a typical western football world with nice fields and accommodations. This isn’t required to achieve success. You can become successful without those things if you truly believe in yourself and work hard.

We at TotalDutchFootball.com are truly grateful that N.E.C Nijmegen gave us permission for this interview. See you next season in the Eredivisie!

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TOTALDUTCHFOOTBALL.COM

FEATURE

Wiel Coerver – Holland’s Most Influential Export?

August 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

When one think’s of Dutch football both past and present it is usually the same players and managers names such as Cruyff, Michels, Neeskens, Van Hanegem and Van Basten for example that come up. They are often talked about for special moves, goals, trophies won or a magnificent pass in a game. Andries Oosterveen says what about remembering, respecting and acknowledging a man who created a system some thirty years a go which changed the way the game was being taught and till today is being used by coaches all over the world at all levels of the game?

Wiel Coerver is a very strong candidate for being Holland’s greatest and most influential footballing export. Known as the “Einstein of football“, Coerver was born in 1924 in the town of Kerkrade in Limburg. He managed several football clubs between 1959 and 1977 including teams such as Go Ahead Eagles, Sparta Rotterdam, NEC and the Indonesian national team. But it was not until the 1970s and with Feyenoord that he achieved his most famous success where in his two year stay he won the UEFA Cup in 1974 against Tottenham Hotspur and the Eredivisie title.

The coaching method that Coerver developed in the 1970´s has been taken on worldwide and grown thanks to Alfred Galustian and Charles Cook. Many well known coaches have and still use the methods and include household names such as Bobby Robson, Alex Ferguson, Ricardo Moniz and Rene Meulensteen for example. It is now one of the most widely adopted training methods in the world. To Coerver football was more of a science than an art.

WHAT IS THE COERVER METHOD?

During the 1970s Will Coerver took inspiration for designing this coaching system by spending hours and hours studying some of the world´s greatest players of the time especially Pele and Johan Cruyff. This led him to believe that whilst some players are naturally born with great skill levels others can be taught from a very young age such skills but in a structured academic way. By dissecting the moves of great players Coerver made it possible to teach such moves to young players.

Training systems include a variety of aspects such as ball mastery, the Cruyff Turn, the step over, the feint, 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3 and 4 vs 4 situations, and learning how to trick a defender into thinking you will do one thing and you do another. Being extremely comfortable with the ball was essential. The whole idea behind the system was to catch defenders off guard as one cannot always rely only on outrunning an opponent as if you are being marked very tightly you will need to have a way to get out of that situation for example. Passing drills, receiving drills and a strong emphasis on speed of play fast counter attacking was also focused on.

Sadly within Holland, Will Coerver despite his obvious strong and passionate dedication to the game was never used in any aspect by the KNVB. Such a role would have been perfect for him and the game as a whole in the country. Despite not getting the respect he deserves with football historians his legacy lives on and his influences are clear to see.

Will Coerver – A great Feyenoord coach and an amazing planner and thinker of the game. I will leave it to you the reader, Holland’s most influential football export?

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EERSTE DIVISIE, FEATURE

Eerste Divisie preview

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

A total of 20 teams will take part each week in the Eerste Divisie, also known as the Jupiler League. It will be the fifty-ninth edition of the competition, since its establishment in 1955. The season will run from the beginning of August 2014 until May 2015, as teams fight for promotion into the Dutch top flight – the Eredivisie.

After facing relegation last season from the Eredivisie, Roda JC Kerkrade will begin their new campaign in the Eerste Divisie, also joined by NEC Nijmegen and RKC Waalwijk also faced relegation but this time through the playoff rounds after finishing second and third from bottom in the top flight last season. All three clubs will be hoping that their time spent in the Eerste Divisie will be short lived, as they battle for promotion during the 2014/15 campaign.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DUTCH DOMESTIC LEAGUE?

Only the club that tops the table at the end of the season guarantees themselves automatic promotion to the Eredivisie. Teams finishing between second and fifth will enter the second round of the Eredivisie promotion/relegation play-offs, which also gives the sides a chance to qualify for the top flight.

There is also a slight chance for teams who finish the season between sixth and ninth to gain entry into the Eredivisie, as the teams will also enter the Eredivisie play-offs in the first round of the knockout format. The rest of the ten teams finishing from 10th to last will remain in the Eerste Divisie for the following season.

WHO ARE FAVOURITES TO GAIN PROMOTION?

Without a doubt the main objective for the three clubs that have been relegated to the Eerste Divisie will be hoping that they can rejoin the top sides next season, but other clubs such as FC Den Bosch, VVV-Venlo, FC Eindhoven and De Graafschap will all be hoping they can finish in a promotion place, whether it be a round one or two entry into the playoff faze, they will still be in with a chance to gain promotion.

There is also an odd side chance that FC Volendam and Fortuna Sittard may upset the odds and surprise many this season, a chance to battle for a place in the Dutch top flight means high attendees in the ground on match day, which no club would refuse, considering the impotents of finance in clubs these recent years. The league will be occupied by three reserve teams from Dutch giants – Jong Ajax , Jong PSV and Jong FC Twente. Last season, the PSV youngsters managed to finish ahead of the other two’s ‘B’ teams and ended the season in tenth with a + 5 Goal difference. It is impossible for any of these three sides to gain promotion, due to the fact the clubs already have teams in the top flight.

There is four sides that I believe will struggle to compete in the league this season, they are Almere City , FC Oss , Telstar and Achilles ’29. These sides appear not to have the strength in their squad to compete for any type of silverware or promotion this coming season. All four sides ended the season on a minus goal difference last campaign, and that may not change come the end of the 2015/16 season.

Usually in the Eerste Divisie matches are played on a Friday evening at 7pm (BST) and this weekend is the opening weekend of games in the league.

WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH THE EERSTE DIVISIE 2014/15 SEASON?

– Remember the Dutch legend Jaap Stam? Well, he will manage Jong Ajax this season as he attempts to bring his experience to the players of future who hope to break into Frank de Boer’s Ajax side.

– Other popular names such as Ruud Kaiser will manage the FC Den Bosch side, Kaiser coached Dutch stars such as Robin Van Persie , Wesley Sneijder , Nigel de Jong and several other current Dutch internationals as he coached the Dutch in the 2005 European Under-17 Championship.

– Many young stars are loaned out from major clubs in the Netherlands to smaller clubs, where they get the chance to show their qualities and learn their trade

– Not forgetting that the fans and atmosphere each week is not to be forgotten as the crowds for the Dutch first division continues to grow.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE?

Every week here at Total Dutch Football, I will doing a ‘Game of the Week’ feature and weekly round-up for the league so stay tuned for full coverage of the 2014/15 season.

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Week 32 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax virtually crowned

April 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax defeated ADO Den Haag 3-2 to move within one point of clinching the Eredivisie title. Feyenoord are the only side that can mathematically catch the Amsterdammers, however it looks high unlikely as the Rotterdam side will have to hope the defending champions lose their last two games and that they can make up a nine-goal deficit on the way.

Saturday 12th April 2014

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Roda JC will finish in the bottom three after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at FC Twente left them eight points adrift of safety with two games to go. The rock-bottom Roda will either be automatically relegated or have to compete for this Eredivisie survival in the relegation play-off. Young Norwegian striker Torgeir Børven scored twice in the opening 26 minutes to virtually cement all three points to Michel Jansen’s side, as former Arsenal youth player Kyle Ebecilio made sure in the second-half.

Seven goals were exchanged in a topsy-turvy contest as SC Cambuur defeated Vitesse 4-3 to ruin Peter Bosz’s men’s chances of an automatic Europa League spot. Full-back Kelvin Leerdam struck first for Vitesse before scoring past his own goalkeeper following Martijn Barto’s equaliser. Although, it was level at half-time as Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu restored parity. Chelsea team-mate Bertrand Traoré put the visitors back in front 11 minutes into the second half but Bartholomew Ogbeche and Barto scored within five minutes of one another to send the Cambuurstadion into raptures.

Go Ahead Eagles need one more point to mathematically secure their Eredivisie status as lost 2-0 to Heerenveen at De Adelaarshorst. Impressive young left-back Joost van Aken nodded Marco van Basten’s side in front in only his second full start for the club. On 76 minutes, Alfred Finnbogason scored Heerenveen’s second after some good work from Bilal Basacikoglu on the right-wing. The goal was the Icelander’s 27th of the Eredivisie campaign.

Sunday 13th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax defeated Henk Fraser’s ADO Den Haag in a five goal thriller, however, Feyenoord’s 2-0 victory over PSV ensured that Koeman’s men remain six points behind in second place with two rounds of games remaining. If Ajax can clinch at least a point away to Heracles Almelo in a fortnight, they will clinch their fourth successive Eredivisie championship.

Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen gave the league leaders the lead on 35 minutes, although within a minute ADO drew level via Stefano Denswil scoring in his own net to send the sides in at half-time all square.

Second-half goals from Davy Klaassen and Thulani Serero put Ajax 3-1 up with central defender Tom Beugelsdijk scoring a last-minute goal to cut the deficit for ADO. However, it was too late to make an impact when referee Richard Liesveld blew for full-time just moments later

Along with their slim title hopes, Feyenoord maintain their second place with the consolation prize of Champions League qualification well within their grasps. Goals from defensive duo Joris Mathijsen and Daryl Janmaat gave them the win over PSV Eindhoven, who have now suffered three consecutive defeats since Philip Cocu was called out of action after a back operation.

NEC Nijmegen are set to compete relegation play-off in a month’s time although they held AZ Alkmaar to an impressive 1-1 draw that leaves them five points from safety. Dick Advocaat’s side took a second half lead through Nemanja Gudelj’s penalty on 55 minutes but NEC midfielder Kevin Conboy netted three minutes from time to secure a valuable point.

Fellow relegation contenders RKC Waalwijk played out a 1-1 draw with PEC Zwolle and now are three points off safety. RKC striker Daniel De Ridder scored just before the hour mark, but his goal was cancelled out by PEC’s Mateusz Klich just nine minutes later.

FC Utrecht will play Eredivisie football next season after they eased their relegation worries thanks to first-half goals from Jacob Mulenga and Juan Agudelo that earned Jan Wouters’ side a 2-1 victory over Heracles. The visitors saw Mikhail Rosheuvel hit back on 64 minutes and defender Bart Schenkeveld was dismissed with five minutes remaining to halt any ideas of a draw for the Almelo side.

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 32 – Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Will Burns returns with his selections for Sunday’s games and like all his tips, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens – good luck!

Sunday 13th April

AZ ALKMAAR vs. NEC NIJMEGEN (13:30 BST)

NEC Nijmegen are in dire need of points to survive but they face AZ Alkmaar that have won all but one game at home in 2014.

AZ are undefeated at the AFAS Stadion in the Eredivisie this year and I feel AZ will be too strong for Nijmegen who look to cement their Europa League playoff place this weekend. NEC are well capable of goals and have scored in every game this season apart from four and that’s in all competitions.

Dick Advocaat’s men have been winning at both half time and full time in five of their last six home matches in the league but after a gruelling game in Benfica this past Thursday, they may show tiredness. The fight for NEC to stay out of that bottom spot that Roda holds may just push them to give AZ a real test and an even game. Bet Victor have the draw priced at 3/1 and I see that as a great price to start the day.

BEST BET: Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

RKC WAALWIJK vs. PEC ZWOLLE (13:30 BST)

Ron Jans is without a host of players through injury when his PEC Zwolle side travel to Waalwijk on Sunday afternoon. Goalkeeper Kevin Begois, defenders Trent Sainsbury and Leroy Labylle, midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo and forward Densi Mahmudov are all out.

Zwolle will have one eye on next weekend’s KNVB Beker final in Rotterdam against Ajax and this may be a blessing to Erwin Koeman and RKC Waalwijk who are desperate for points to try and remove themselves out of relegation trouble.

An RKC win will take them one point to safety breathing down NAC Breda’s neck in 15th. Bet Victor value the Waalwijk win at 21/20 and I see that being our best chance of profit in this match.

BEST BET: RKC to win (21/20 – Bet Victor)

FC UTRECHT vs. HERACLES (13:30 BST)

With just one point separating them Heracles in 13th travel to 14th placed Utrecht. With just three games left in the league season, both sides know that there is a possibility of being sucked into the relegation battle.

Jan Wouters’ Utrecht have only won twice in the 14 games played in 2014 so far and I can see them failing again, however, sometimes Heracles can let themselves down. Two weeks ago, they startled Feyenoord taking the lead but two defensive lapses saw them lose 2-1.

For our best bet, Heracles Draw No Bet is valued at 11/8 by Bet Victor so if the match is drawn, your money is returned.

BEST BET: Heracles Draw No Bet (11/8 – Bet Victor)

AJAX vs. ADO DEN HAAG (15:30 BST)

Ajax could claim their fourth Eredivisie championship in a row this Sunday if Feyenoord drop points and they can defeat an ADO Den Haag side, that are undefeated since head coach Henk Fraser took over in February.

The great form has earned Fraser a contract until the summer of 2016 managing ADO to four wins and five draws. Fraser faces a tough task against soon-to-be champions Ajax, however, Frank de Boer is missing some key players. Daley Blind and Ricardo van Rhijn miss out due to suspension so Danish veteran Christian Poulsen will sit in the midfield, as young full-back Ruben Ligeon will take Van Rhijn’s place in defence.

Ajax should be too strong for ADO but with the Amsterdammers valued at 1/5 with some betting outlets, I see no value in that market. I look to goals and a trend I have noticed is Under 2.5 Goals with these two sides. For ADO, in their last four away league matches, there have been under 2.5 goals scored and four of Ajax last six matches have all ended with just two goals scored. Once again, Bet Victor offers the best odds with 85/40 being values for Under 2.5 Goals.

BEST BET: Under 2.5 Goals (85/40 – Bet Victor)

PSV EINDHOVEN vs. FEYENOORD (15:30 BST)

PSV in fifth host second placed Feyenoord in the game of the weekend in a game that the PSV must win if they hope for Champions League football next season.

However, Ronald Koeman’s Feyenoord are looking unstoppable at the moment, winning their last five games in a row and are now sit four points ahead of Twente in third. With just three games to go, they know it is their spot to lose.

Italian striker Graziano Pellè made his comeback from suspension last weekend, scoring twice in a win over RKC and he will be a real threat to PSV’s back four. PSV captain Georginio Wijnaldum made his comeback from a back injury last Saturday in the 3-0 thumping off Heerenveen, he however, could start from the off against his former club.

Both sides have goals in them but I can see Feyenoord edging this one with the greater firepower, especially Pellè. Feyenoord to win and both teams to score is valued at 18/5 by Bet Victor and this could be a big winner to finish the weekend.

BEST BET: Feyenoord to win with Both Teams to Score (18/5 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Week 31 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax leave champagne on ice

April 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax are yet to clinch the Eredivisie title as they were held 1-1 by Vitesse at the Gelredome on Sunday. Elsewhere, Feyenoord maintained second place and Twente in third as PSV were defeated 3-0 by Heerenveen on Saturday night.

Saturday 5th April 2014

PSV, minus head coach Philip Cocu, fell to heavy 3-0 defeat on Saturday evening to Marco van Basten’s Heerenveen. Ernest Faber, deputising for Cocu, has now lead the Eindhoven side to two defeats in two and their aspirations of Champions League football next season have been dashed. Balil Basacikoglu netted on the half-hour mark but second half goals from Rajiv van la Parra and Alfred Finnbogason has now stuck PSV down into fifth place but are five points ahead of Heerenveen who sit a place behind them.

Twente stay in third after winning 2-0 away to NAC Breda thanks to goals from Felipe Gutiérrez and Dušan Tadić. Dropping down to fifteenth in the standings, Breda are now only four points away from the drop zone.

Go Ahead Eagles steered themselves out of relegation trouble with a 2-1 away win at Heracles. Mikhail Rosheuvel, a threat throughout and put the hosts into a first-half lead but the Eagles turned the game on its head after the interval. Midfielders Deniz Türüç and Erik Falkenburg scored the goals to move Go Ahead up to 11th place even though Jarchinio Antonia was dismissed two minutes before time.

NEC Nijmegen stay second bottom and six points from safety after being held 1-1 by manager-less SC Cambuur in a game that saw three sending-offs in four minutes. Geoffrey Castillion gave NEC the lead but Mart Dijkstra equalised just after half-time. NEC captain was sent off six minutes from time and the sides were evened up when Marcel Ritzmaier was given his second yellow minutes later. However, the relegation strugglers were reduced to nine with just two minutes remaining when Rens van Eijden received his second booking.

Sunday 6th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Vitesse, however, being six points clear of Feyenoord in second, remained on track to win their fourth consecutive Eredivisie championship. The Amsterdammers fell mid-way through the first-half when Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traoré netted. Icelandic international forward Kolbeinn Sigthórsson equalized two minutes after the break to earn his side the point.

Sunday also saw the return of Italian striker Graziano Pelle to the Feyenoord side after a four-game suspension and he notched both goals in his side’s 2-0 with over RKC Waalwijk. Ronald Koeman’s men travel to PSV next weekend but look most likely to claim the second Champions League spot.

ADO Den Haag are still undefeated under Henk Fraser after smashing ten-men FC Utrecht by four goals to one. Ronald Alberg and Mike van Duinen sent Utrecht in at half-time two goals down, and Mitchell Schet and Michiel Kramer added to the tally in the second half. Utrecht saw striker Steve de Ridder dismissed after just 24 minutes for two bookings and Jens Toornstra grabbed a last minute consolation goal.

In the final game of the weekend, basement boys Roda JC held AZ Alkmaar to a 2-2 draw that yet another red card. Berry Powel put Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men ahead but AZ midfielder Markus Henriksen equalised before half-time. American striker Aron Johansson notched before the hour mark to give the visitors the lead but Guus Hupperts snatched the leveller twenty minutes from time. With just below ten minutes remaining, Guy Ramos saw red for his second bookable offence. Roda look doomed and are eight points away from safety, results next weekend could see them confirmed to the relegation play off places.

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 31 – Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 5, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Will Burns returns with his betting tips for Saturday evening’s games and like all his selections, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens. If you place all four of these results in an accumulator – you will get odds of 115/1!!! Good luck if you are having a punt!

Saturday 5th April

HEERENVEEN vs. PSV (17:45 BST)

Ernest Faber, covering for Philip Cocu, will be unhappy with his start last weekend falling 3-2 at home to Groningen while Heerenveen should have claimed all three points against Vitesse but were held to a 2-2 draw.

One thing this game will promise will be goals. For PSV, central defender Jeffrey Bruma is the only absentee for the trip to Heerenveen and is expected to be replaced by either Mathias Jørgensen or Jorrit Hendrix in the line-up. Club captain, Georginio Wijnaldum, after making a return last weekend, will be hoping to make his first start since the 14th September last year in a 2-2 draw with Twente. He may replace Stijn Schaars who is doubtful for this game with a knee injury.

Hakim Ziyech will be missing for Heerenveen and this could hamper the amount of chances created for Bilal Basacikoglu and Alfred Finnbogason. Rajiv van la Parra will return and young left-back Joost van Aken will be pushing for a start at left-back in place of the injured Mitchell Dijks after an impressive substitute appearance last weekend.

This could very well end up in a draw but PSV will press for all three knowing that they need points to try and catch Feyenoord in second for Champions League qualification. There have been Over 2.5 goals scored in 13 of Heerenveen’s last 15 home games in league but to get some value we will try and go one better. Over 3.5 Goals is valued at 23/20 at Bet Victor and I see that as our Best Bet in this one.

BEST BET: Over 3.5 Goals (23/20 – Bet Victor)

NAC BREDA vs. FC TWENTE (18:45 BST)

Twente head to Breda to face NAC without suspended duo Rasmus Bengtsson and Luc Castaignos and this may hinder their chances of victory come Saturday evening.

Third-place Twente have only won twice in the last nine games and after falling out of the title race, they know they need to pick up points before they lose the chance to become runner-up and qualify for Champions League football. Their form on the road has majorly contributed to their downfall recently after failing to win in their last five away games, however, their opponents, NAC are also on a bad run and have not won in seven games.

NAC have had some impressive results at home this season including recent draws against the top two, Feyenoord and Ajax. I predicted Twente’s draw on Wednesday at a massive 5/1 and I am going for the draw again at the same price with Bet365.

BEST BET: Draw (5/1 – Bet365)

NEC NIJMEGEN vs. SC CAMBUUR (18:45 BST)

Cambuur have experienced turmoil over the last seven days which is possibly set to ruin a decent first season back in the Eredivisie.

Head coach Dwight Lodeweges announced on Tuesday that he was to replace Marco van Basten at bitter rivals Heerenveen in the summer and the Cambuur faithful protested the following morning. So much so that Lodeweges resigned with immediate effect and the Leeuwarden side lost their midweek game at Utrecht.

Due to all the upheaval at Cambuur, I can see NEC Nijmegen, sitting second bottom and seven points from safety, winning and pulling away from the definite relegation spot currently occupied by Roda. Nijmegen are desperate for points and English striker Michael Higdon is on form banging in five goals in five consecutive games. I except this run to continue and NEC to get the much needed three points.

NEC to win is being offered at 5/4 with Bet365 and that is the best price for this one.

BEST BET: NEC Nijmegen win (5/4 – Bet365)

HERACLES vs. GO AHEAD EAGLES (19:45 BST)

Although Go Ahead Eagles head to Almelo with a poor away record (lost 7 of their last 8 away games in the league), they have a fantastic record against Heracles.

The Eagles of Deventer have been winning at both half time and full time in their last three games at the Polman Stadion in all competitions. After taking a 5-0 thumping from Feyenoord last weekend in Rotterdam, Fooke Booy’s side bounced back with a 2-1 at home to NAC Breda.

Heracles are in similar hitty-missy form after winning back to back games against basement sides Roda and NEC, Jan de Jonge’s men lost at home to Feyenoord but in all fairness put in a strong display and even took the lead against the Rotterdam side.

When looking at the result for this game, I have to opt for the draw. Both sides are not out of the woods as of yet in results to relegation trouble but Heracles (6 points) and Eagles (4 points) do have a little breathing space with four games to go. I can see this being a cautious affair with few chances and few goals. For the scores to be level at full-time, Bet Victor are offering 3/1.

BEST BET: Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 30 – Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

March 28, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

After nailing the draw at 13/5 in last nights game, Will Burns returns with his betting tips for the three Saturday evening’s game and like all his selections, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens. If you have a punt on these three in a treble, it will pay a massive 50/1.

Saturday 29th March

VITESSE vs. HEERENVEEN (17:45 GMT)

Vitesse face one of their bogey teams in Heerenveen in Saturday’s first game. The Friesland club are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 away matches against the Arnhem side in all competitions.

However, this is a game that Vitesse needs to collect all three points to stay in race for second place and after last week’s defeat to FC Groningen, Peter Bosz will have to quickly pick his men up. Meanwhile, Heerenveen threw away a two-goal advantage to draw at home to NEC last weekend so Van Basten will look for a better performance in Arnhem.

The hosts have problems is defence with Kelvin Leerdam and Guram Kashia suspended and Frank van der Struijk struggling with a hamstring pull, Bosz will have to ring out the changes in his back four. The likes of Hakim Ziyech and the Eredivisie’s top scorer Alfred Finnbogason will look to take advantage.

Heerenveen have Marten de Roon suspended but other than that should be full strength and well equipped to full off a shock in Arnhem. Betfair Sportsbook are offering 9/2 for a away win and that is our best bet.

BEST BET: Heerenveen to win (9/2 – Betfair)

NEC NIJMEGEN vs. HERACLES (18:45 GMT)

Relegation troubled NEC Nijmegen’s season went from bad to worse on Wednesday after doing so well to reach the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker only to be knocked out 2-1 by PEC Zwolle courtesy of an error from goalkeeper Dennis Gentenaar.

NEC have been unlucky with their stoppers as of late with Gentenaar only making a return to the side a few weeks ago after Karl-Johan Johnsson was dropped due to similar performances. Needing points desperately Anton Janssen’s side host 12th place Heracles who themselves are not out of the woods when it comes to relegation to the Eerste Divisie. The visitors are on 33 points, just six points ahead of the bottom three and could easily get dragged into those bottom three spots.

NEC have failed to win nine of their last ten matches in Eredivisie, however, they have just been defeated once in their last seven at home is heartening. I feel both sides cancelling each other out here and providing a result that neither team would like. Our best price in this one is at Bet Victor who offer 11/4 for the game to end level.

BEST BET: Draw (11/4 – Bet Victor)

PSV vs. FC GRONINGEN (19:45 GMT)

PSV are on a eight-game winning streak but they head into game number nine without head coach Philip Cocu, as the former midfielder had surgery to remove a benign tumour on his back on Thursday.

There is some good news for the Eindhoven side however, as club captain Georginio Wijnaldum should make the bench after a six-month absence with a back injury. Even without their manager on the sidelines, you cannot look past the in-form PSV to take all three points.

Groningen are without Michael de Leeuw and Tom Hiariej with young prodigy Richairo Zivkovic also doubtful for the trip to Eindhoven with an ankle injury that will be assessed before kick-off. Although Santiago Arias is doubtful for the home side, Joshua Brenet can fill in with Jetro Willems returning, the PSV defence should be so strong that Groningen will have great trouble in breaching. And with Memphis Depay and Jürgen Locadia on fire at the moment, I see PSV winning and keeping a clean sheet. Best bet is PSV winning to nil valued at 29/20 at Bet Victor.

BEST BET: PSV to win to nil (29/20 – Bet Victor)

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KNVB BEKER REPORT, KNVB CUP

KNVB Beker Semi Final: Blunder gives Zwolle cup final

March 26, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Wednesday 26th March

PEC ZWOLLE 2-1 NEC NIJMEGEN

PEC Zwolle are through to their first KNVB Beker final for 37 years after a lucky goal gave them a 2-1 win over NEC Nijmegen.

The hosts took the lead just before the half-hour mark from Jesper Drost. After the NEC failed to clear their lines, Drost collected the ball just outside the area and scuffed a low drive towards goal. The ball took a slight deflection and although the shot did not hold much power it was too much for Dennis Gentenaar to stop.

Six minutes before the break, the visitors were level. Club captain Ryan Koolwijk lofted a free-kick into the area from deep on the right wing. English striker Michael Higdon, as always, won the header which was smashed home with an acrobatic volley from Kevin Conboy. The midfielder dived into the ground ala Jurgen Klinsmann to celebrate.

After an even second half, Zwolle regained the lead with nine minutes courtesy of a terrible goalkeeping error from Gentenaar. In the wet conditions, Maikel van der Werff launched a long range effort towards goal that was hit straight at the keeper. Unfortunately, the shot bounced in front of the stopper and the ball squirmed under Gentenaar’s elbow and trickled over the line.

Zwolle now await the winner of AZ vs. Ajax tomorrow night to see who stands between them and their first ever KNVB Beker and their first major trophy in Dutch football.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Van der Werff, Broerse, Van Hintum, Mokotjo, Klich (Lachman 87), Karagounis, Drost, Thomas (Narsingh 73), Fernandez.

SUBS NOT USED: Begois, Saymak, Benson, Mahmudov, Gravenbeek.

GOALS: Drost 29, Van der Werff 81.

BOOKINGS: Boer 92.

NEC: Gentenaar, Vermijl, Van Eijden, Nielsen, Leiwakabessy, Conboy, Koolwijk, Gravenberch (Foor 31 (Štefánik 70)), Hemlein (Castillion 84), Higdon, Jahanbakhsh.

SUBS NOT USED: Johnsson, Disveld, Mulder, Jantscher.

GOALS: Conboy 39.

BOOKINGS: Nielsen 64, Conboy 88.

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Week 29 Eredivisie Report: PSV’s winning streak continues

March 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Vitesse suffered a shock defeat away at FC Groningen, NEC Nijmegen performed a two-goal comeback to grab a much needed point at Heerenveen as PSV climb into second place with their eighth win in a row over Roda JC.

Saturday 22nd March 2014

FC GRONINGEN 3-1 VITESSE

Vitesse’s hopes of Champions League football suffered a massive blow on Saturday evening after FC Groningen won comfortably 3-1.

Peter Bosz lead his men to Groningen in hope of keeping the pressure on table-toppers Ajax but they fell behind after just ten minutes when the Amsterdammers’ new signing Richairo Zivkovic took advantage of some lapse defending by Guram Kashia. After the Georgian defender mis-kicked a clearance, the 17-year-old forward sped towards goal with the ball. Confidently the youngster skipped past Piet Velthuizen in goal to finish in the empty net. This was Velthuizen’s 200th appearance for Vitesse, but it was to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The visitors got back into the game and levelled the game up just before the interval thanks to great vision by Guram Kashia, making amends for the opening goal. Christian Atsu, one of the four players on-loan from Chelsea, showed great composure to chip Marco Bizot after a beautiful lofted ball from the back from Kashia.

After a quiet opening to the second half, the hosts regained the lead in the 56th minute with Nick van der Velden scoring his fourth of the season. Vitesse failed to put a defender on the back post for a Tjaronn Chery corner and Van der Velden took full advantage to side foot an effort home off the inside of the post.

The result was done and dusted just after the hour mark with Tjarron Chery hitting a great left footed low drive from the edge of the areas after Kelvin Leerdam had failed to halt the midfielder’s attempt.

Groningen stay in ninth as Vitesse drop to fourth place, now seven points adrift of leaders Ajax, with the league leaders having a game in hand. The slim hope of their first ever Eredivisie championship has surely now slipped past Vitesse.

TEAMS

GRONINGEN: Bizot, Hateboer, Botteghin, Kappelhof, Burnet, Lindgren, Kieftenbeld, Chery, Van der Velden (Kirm 72), Zivkovic (Zeefuik 86), Kostic (Hagenauw 90+1).

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Lei, Adorjan, Wijnaldum, Cijntje.

GOALS: Zivkovic 10, Van der Velden 56, Chery 63.

BOOKINGS: Van der Velden 70.

VITESSE: Velthuizen, Van Der Struijk (Leerdam 31), Kashia, Vejinovic, Achenteh, Pröpper, Qazaishvili, Atsu, Labyad (Traoré 72), Havenaar (Djurdjevic 72), Piazón.

SUBS NOT USED: Room, Mori, Van Aanholt, Bosz.

GOALS: Atsu 39.

BOOKINGS: Kashia 42, Leerdam 59.

HEERENVEEN 2-2 NEC NIJMEGEN

NEC Nijmegen handed themselves a lifeline in the relegation battle, clawing back from two goals down to Heerenveen to claim a point with only ten men.

Anton Janssen’s NEC, desperate for a good result to help ease their relegation worries, started the better team but against the run of play it was the free scoring Heerenveen that grabbed the lead on 40 minutes. It was a tremendous solo effort from Bilal Basacikoglu as he ghosted through the Nijmegen midfield and defence before firing a low drive past Dennis Gentenaar.

The lead was doubled in first half stoppage time after the tricky Rajiv van la Parra weaved his way in the area and was brought down by Rens van Eijden. Referee Tom van Sichem pointed to the spot and Alfred Finnbogason netted his ninth penalty of the season to take his goals tally up to 24 in 26 games. The goal meant the Iceland international has now overtaken Gerald Sibon to become Heerenveen’s all time leading scorer in the Eredivisie with 48 goals.

NEC were given a lifeline when the in-form striker Michael Higdon netted his 13th of the season with just twelve minutes of time remaining. After Iranian forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh flicked on a Marnick Vermijl cross for the Englishman to take down, control, spin his marker and fire home. The Liverpool-born striker is in real form with the goal being his seventh goal in the last ten outings.

The goal gave Anton Janssen’s men a glimmer of hope of snatching a point but minutes later their chances became greater as Rens van Eijden was given his second yellow for a handball outside the area. However, Heerenveen did not make NEC play and a minute into stoppage time, the relegation battlers stole a point.

After a scramble from a free-kick that Heerenveen failed to clear, Danish midfielder Søren Rieks was in the right place at the right time to fire past Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

Although, NEC remained second bottom, this was a great point to hold the Heerenveen who stay in sixth place.

TEAMS

HEERENVEEN: Nordfeldt, Marzo, Otigba, Kruiswijk, Raitala, De Roon, Ziyech, Van den Berg, Van La Parra (Sinkgraven 62), Finnbogason, Basacikoglu (Slagveer 86).

SUBS NOT USED: Vandenbussche, De Kamps, Fazli, Warmolts, Van Aken.

GOALS: Basacikoglu 40, Finnbogason 45+1P.

BOOKINGS: De Roon 43.

NEC: Gentenaar, Vermijl, Van Eijden, Nielsen, Leiwakabessy, Koolwijk, Rieks, Conboy, Hemlein (Gravenberch 45), Higdon, Jantscher (Jahanbakhsh 45).

SUBS NOT USED: Johnsson, Foor, Disverld, Štefánik, Castillon.

GOALS: Higdon 78, Rieks 90+1.

BOOKINGS: Van Eijden 45, Leiwakabessy 84.

SENT OFF: Van Eijden 87.

PSV 3-1 RODA JC

Philip Cocu’s PSV defeated the struggling Roda JC by three goals to one to notch their eighth consecutive win to fir them into second spot and just six points behind leaders Ajax.

Before Christmas, no-one would have predicted that PSV would be only six points adrift from Ajax but Philip Cocu’s men are now the in-form side in the Eredivisie racking up eight wins in a row is no easy feat.

Roda make PSV work for the win but unfortunately the class shone through and Jürgen Locadia got the hosts underway on 14 minutes. Santiago Arias and Ji-Sung Park combined to play the young striker through on goal to coolly finish past Filip Kurto.

Roda grabbed an unlikely equaliser before the interval through Mitchell Paulissen. The PSV defenders failed to clear a cross and Paulissen turned up on the left side of the area to side-foot past Jeroen Zoet.

Memphis Depay, wearing a protective mask due to suffering a bruised eye socket last weekend, was a threat throughout and on 63 minutes he provided some magic to help his side regain the advantage. Henk Dijkhuizen had a torrid evening trying to keep the masked man’s skills at bay, but after skipping past the defender with ease, Depay fired a shot which was saved by the legs of Kurto. The rebound fell to Locadia and after his shot was blocked, Bryan Ruiz was on hand to tap home for his fourth goal in eight games.

With quarter of an hour to go, Jeffrey Bruma nodded home a Ruiz corner to seal the win. PSV are now up to second place, and look to Champions League qualification although rivals for that positions, Twente and Feyenoord have a game in hand.

TEAMS

PSV: Zoet, Brenet, Rekik, Bruma, Arias, Schaars (Maher 69), Hiljemark, Park, Depay (Narsingh 89), Locadia, Ruiz.

SUBS NOT USED: Tyton, Zanka Jørgensen, Jozefzoon, Bakkali, Hendrix.

GOALS: Locadia 14, Ruiz 63, Bruma 75.

BOOKINGS: Locadia 60.

RODA: Kurto, Dijkhuizen, Luijckx, Ramos, Van Peppen, Fledderus, Kali (Bonevacia 81), Djoum, Hupperts (Höcher 79), Donald, Paulissen (Demouge 76).

SUBS NOT USED: Prus, De Beule, Monteyne, Shkurtaj.

GOALS: Paulissen 41.

BOOKINGS: None.

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