Yesterday's fixtures saw Ajax and PSV at the top of the Eredivisie charts with 10 points each. Feyenoord have now leapfrogged both after taking full points from all 4 games this season, topping the table with 12 points and an impressive goal differential of 11.
Game Results:
Roda JC Kerkrade 1-3 Feyenoord Rotterdam
Roda JC went into the dressing room 1-0 up thanks to a 40th minute strike from Ivorian defender Cheikh Tiote. However, this was not enough to stop Feyenoord as a 47th minute penalty from Roy Makaay and a double from Jonathan de Guzman placed Feyenoord at the top of the table. Bert van Marwijk's rejuvenated squad is the only team to have snatched full points from all of their games. Roda JC moved down into 7th with 7 points in what has been a decent start to the season for them.
NEC Nijmingen 0-1 NAC Breda
A solitary goal from Edwin de Graaf was enough to decide this unexciting contest in the favor of NAC. NEC now sit in 16th place with only 1 point from 4 games, while NAC are in 9th with 6 points.
Sparta Rotterdam 2-2 AZ Alkmaar
Sparta let a 2-0 lead slip and ended up winning only one point off of AZ. A 6th minute own goal from Haris Medunjanin put Sparta ahead and a 51st minute strike from Nourdin Boukhari put the Rotterdam team in a good lead. However, goals from Julian Jenner and Mounir El Hamdaoui pulled back a point for AZ. This point allowed AZ to move up to 6th place, Sparta settled into 13th.
Willem II Tilburg 1-3 Twente Enschede
Willem's Rydell Poepon missed an early penalty, but a second penalty from Mohamed Messoudi was converted to put Willem up 1-0 in the 24th minute. However, goals from Blaise N'Kufo and Romano Denneboom as well as an own goal from Frank Demouge granted Twente 3 points, catapulting them into 5th place. Willem II will not be nearly as happy 10 places behind in 15th.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Eredivisie Roundup Sept. 15: Ajax and PSV regain their lead
Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven both registered 1-0 wins today, regaining the top spots of the Eredivisie with 10 points. Only 1 point behind them is Feyenoord who take on Roda JC tomorrow.
Game Results:
PSV Eindhoven 1-0 Vitesse Arnhem
PSV pulled out a 1-0 home victory over Vitesse thanks to an early goal from Danny Koevermans. Manager Ronald Koeman will be happy to see his team tied on points at the top of the Eredivisie table. Aad de Mos, the manager of Vitesse, will also be happy to see his team in 4th on 9 points, after a superb start to the 2007/08 season.
De Graafschap 3-2 VVV Venlo
De Graafschap nearly let a 3-0 lead go, as VVV pulled a goal back in the 89th minute through Leemans and another in stoppage time through El Gaaouiri. It was not enough to stop VVV from dropping down to 12th place with 3 points from 4 games. Of these two newly promoted teams, De Graafschap is doing far better, finding themselves 4 points and 5 places ahead of VVV in a safe 7th place. How long can either hold on in the top flight? Both will be hoping not to be in the Eerste Divisie next year.
Excelsior Rotterdam 2-5 Heerenveen
Excelsior went up 2-0 at the Stad Rotterdam Verzekeringen Stadion thanks to a double from Geert den Ouden. However, Heerenveen managed to pull back 3 before half time, thanks to goals from Miralem Sulejmani, Gianni Zuiverloon, and Gerald Sibon. Sibon scored a second in the 52nd minute, and Michael Bradley ended the rout a minute later with Heerenveen's 5th goal. The victory puts Heerenveen in 9th place with 5 points from 4 games, while Excelsior sit rock bottom with no points at all and -10 goal difference. They survived in the Eredivisie last season, but it is difficult to envision them doing it again...
SC Heracles Almelo 0-1 Ajax Amsterdam
Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored a fabulous bicycle kick goal in the 76th minute to grant Ajax a victory over another team with no points. Henk ten Cate's men now sit comfortably on top of the league table alongside PSV having dropped only 2 points. Heracles are not doing nearly as well, having scored only 2 goals and allowed 9 this season. It seems this is another team that will be fighting Excelsior in the relegations zone.
That's it for today's games. Check back tomorrow to see if Feyenoord can overtake Ajax and PSV. Tomorrow's 3 other games will also be covered here.
Game Results:
PSV Eindhoven 1-0 Vitesse Arnhem
PSV pulled out a 1-0 home victory over Vitesse thanks to an early goal from Danny Koevermans. Manager Ronald Koeman will be happy to see his team tied on points at the top of the Eredivisie table. Aad de Mos, the manager of Vitesse, will also be happy to see his team in 4th on 9 points, after a superb start to the 2007/08 season.
De Graafschap 3-2 VVV Venlo
De Graafschap nearly let a 3-0 lead go, as VVV pulled a goal back in the 89th minute through Leemans and another in stoppage time through El Gaaouiri. It was not enough to stop VVV from dropping down to 12th place with 3 points from 4 games. Of these two newly promoted teams, De Graafschap is doing far better, finding themselves 4 points and 5 places ahead of VVV in a safe 7th place. How long can either hold on in the top flight? Both will be hoping not to be in the Eerste Divisie next year.
Excelsior Rotterdam 2-5 Heerenveen
Excelsior went up 2-0 at the Stad Rotterdam Verzekeringen Stadion thanks to a double from Geert den Ouden. However, Heerenveen managed to pull back 3 before half time, thanks to goals from Miralem Sulejmani, Gianni Zuiverloon, and Gerald Sibon. Sibon scored a second in the 52nd minute, and Michael Bradley ended the rout a minute later with Heerenveen's 5th goal. The victory puts Heerenveen in 9th place with 5 points from 4 games, while Excelsior sit rock bottom with no points at all and -10 goal difference. They survived in the Eredivisie last season, but it is difficult to envision them doing it again...
SC Heracles Almelo 0-1 Ajax Amsterdam
Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored a fabulous bicycle kick goal in the 76th minute to grant Ajax a victory over another team with no points. Henk ten Cate's men now sit comfortably on top of the league table alongside PSV having dropped only 2 points. Heracles are not doing nearly as well, having scored only 2 goals and allowed 9 this season. It seems this is another team that will be fighting Excelsior in the relegations zone.
That's it for today's games. Check back tomorrow to see if Feyenoord can overtake Ajax and PSV. Tomorrow's 3 other games will also be covered here.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Dick Advocaat to coach Socceroos
It is speculated that former KNVB manager Dick Advocaat is going to replace Graham Arnold as Australia's national team coach. West Ham captain Lucas Neill believes that the deal is almost done, and only regrets that Australia won't be playing until February.
"I think the coach is pretty much named, apart from a few little contractual issues. That's the story we're getting, so I guess there could be an announcement soon.
Maybe with Advocaat's help the Australians will begin playing 1-touch possession football like the Dutch.
"I think the coach is pretty much named, apart from a few little contractual issues. That's the story we're getting, so I guess there could be an announcement soon.
"It's just a shame that there are no games for a while, so the hard part is going to be getting together with a clean slate."
The former PSV Eindhoven and Rangers coach is currently serving as the manager of FC Zenit St. Petersburg, where he is contract-bound until the end of the Russian league in November. Advocaat, who took Holland to the quarter finals of Euro 2004, is expected to do a great job with the Socceroos, and his pedigree says that he will be able to do so.Maybe with Advocaat's help the Australians will begin playing 1-touch possession football like the Dutch.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Netherlands vs Albania: Euro 2008 Qualifying Match Review
Holland left it until stoppage time to score in the Euro 2008 Qualifying match that put them equal on points with Group G leaders Romania. Although the Dutch dominated for virtually the entire match it took a late stoppage time winner from Ruud van Nistelrooy to put away the tie.
The Oranje were boosted by the presence of Wesley Sneijder who miraculously recovered from injury in time for today's match after picking up an ankle injury in training on Monday. The other starters were Edwin van der Sar, Wilfred Bouma, Joris Mathijsen, Mario Melchiot, Andre Ooijer, Gio van Bronckhorst, Demy de Zeeuw, Ryan Babel, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Robin van Persie.
The return of Sneijder meant that Clarence Seedorf was once again relegated to the bench, as was the fit-again Rafael van der Vaart who came on in the 49th minute for de Zeeuw.
Both Sneijder and van Nistelrooy narrowly missed the target in a bright start for the Dutch, although Albania occasionally looked dangerous as well. Edmond Kapllani had a 7th minute header blocked, and Erjon Bogdani shot well wide in one of Albania's few attacks.
Albanian goalkeeper Arjan Beqaj had two good saves in the first half, equaling a rocket from van Nistelrooy and a curled ball from Sneijder.
It was Edwin van der Sar who was first called into action in the second half, beating off shots from Bogdani and Lorik Cana in the first few minutes after the break. However, as the Dutch piled forwards, an opening goal began to seem inevitable.
Sneijder had a 54th minute volley saved, and Rafael van der Vaart and Mario Melchiot both came close, before Robin van Persie forced Beqaj into yet another save.
However, as the game approached the 90 minute mark, the Dutch appeared to falter and the game looked set to become a 0-0 draw. In the 87th minute, though, Cana was sent off, and the Dutch looked determined to beat a 10 man Albania.
A cross from former Barcelona man Gio van Bronckhorst reached van Nistelrooy who made no mistakes from 12 yards out, saving blushes for the Dutch in injury time.
The Oranje were boosted by the presence of Wesley Sneijder who miraculously recovered from injury in time for today's match after picking up an ankle injury in training on Monday. The other starters were Edwin van der Sar, Wilfred Bouma, Joris Mathijsen, Mario Melchiot, Andre Ooijer, Gio van Bronckhorst, Demy de Zeeuw, Ryan Babel, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Robin van Persie.
The return of Sneijder meant that Clarence Seedorf was once again relegated to the bench, as was the fit-again Rafael van der Vaart who came on in the 49th minute for de Zeeuw.
Both Sneijder and van Nistelrooy narrowly missed the target in a bright start for the Dutch, although Albania occasionally looked dangerous as well. Edmond Kapllani had a 7th minute header blocked, and Erjon Bogdani shot well wide in one of Albania's few attacks.
Albanian goalkeeper Arjan Beqaj had two good saves in the first half, equaling a rocket from van Nistelrooy and a curled ball from Sneijder.
It was Edwin van der Sar who was first called into action in the second half, beating off shots from Bogdani and Lorik Cana in the first few minutes after the break. However, as the Dutch piled forwards, an opening goal began to seem inevitable.
Sneijder had a 54th minute volley saved, and Rafael van der Vaart and Mario Melchiot both came close, before Robin van Persie forced Beqaj into yet another save.
However, as the game approached the 90 minute mark, the Dutch appeared to falter and the game looked set to become a 0-0 draw. In the 87th minute, though, Cana was sent off, and the Dutch looked determined to beat a 10 man Albania.
A cross from former Barcelona man Gio van Bronckhorst reached van Nistelrooy who made no mistakes from 12 yards out, saving blushes for the Dutch in injury time.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Netherlands vs Albania: Euro 2008 Qualifying Match Preview
Tomorrow Marco van Basten's Oranje will face off against Albania in a Euro 2008 qualification match. The Netherlands, who are second in the group behind Romania (with a game in hand) are strong favorites to win against Albania and qualify for the finals to be held in Austria and Switzerland next year.The first qualifier between the two was a close win for Holland, who managed to pull out a 2-1 victory after an own goal from Arjan Beqaj gifted 3 points to the Dutch. Although Albania should take solace in the fact that van Basten wants to rotate his squad, the Albanians are unlikely to be able to get nearly as close this game.
The Dutch will be missing Wesley Sneijder due to injury and Johnny Heitinga for personal reasons. Clarence Seedorf is likely to start in Sneijders place with an attacking lineup also likely to feature Rafael van der Vaart in his return from injury.
The Dutch team received a huge boost when Marco van Basten and Ruud van Nistelrooy reconciled their differences, allowing the Real Madrid front man back into the international scene. Van Nistelrooy impressed on his return to the Oranje, scoring a goal against Bulgaria on Saturday. Despite van Basten's rotation policy (and the copious talent in the Dutch front line) the former Manchester United player is likely to start against Albania.
The Oranje have great depth in their squad and should therefore be able to do away with a technically inferior Albania fairly easily, even without fielding our best side. I predict a 3-0 win, bringing us even on points with Group G leaders Romania.
Match Review
Monday, September 10, 2007
Huntelaar wanted by Manchester rivals
Manchester United and Manchester City are both reportedly scouting out Ajax striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Although Ajax already had to sell Ryan Babel and Wesley Sneijder this summer, it seems that after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the second year in a row, they may have to part with their biggest asset left.
The price tag surrounding the 6 ft 1 in 24 year-old is rumored to be in the range of £18 million, a fee which either Manchester club could easily afford. The loss of their top scorer would be a huge blow to Ajax, but the lure of the Premiership may be too much for the Dutchman come January, and the capital team may be forced to sell.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson apparently sees Huntelaar as the ideal replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy who headed to Real Madrid in the 2006 summer transfer window.
I could see Huntelaar doing wonderfully well at United, as the club have fabulous build-up play, and Huntelaar is a natural goalscorer. He would be unlikely to reproduce a strike rate as impressive as his 42 goals in 51 games at Ajax in the Premiership, but could prove to be as fearsome as van Nistelrooy should the transfer formulate.
I doubt the young striker would settle for Manchester City though, as he is a hot commodity, and would likely want guaranteed Champions League football. However, the funds of Thaksin Shinawatra could coax Ajax into selling him into the Premiership.
The price tag surrounding the 6 ft 1 in 24 year-old is rumored to be in the range of £18 million, a fee which either Manchester club could easily afford. The loss of their top scorer would be a huge blow to Ajax, but the lure of the Premiership may be too much for the Dutchman come January, and the capital team may be forced to sell.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson apparently sees Huntelaar as the ideal replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy who headed to Real Madrid in the 2006 summer transfer window.
I could see Huntelaar doing wonderfully well at United, as the club have fabulous build-up play, and Huntelaar is a natural goalscorer. He would be unlikely to reproduce a strike rate as impressive as his 42 goals in 51 games at Ajax in the Premiership, but could prove to be as fearsome as van Nistelrooy should the transfer formulate.
I doubt the young striker would settle for Manchester City though, as he is a hot commodity, and would likely want guaranteed Champions League football. However, the funds of Thaksin Shinawatra could coax Ajax into selling him into the Premiership.
Wesley Sneijder to miss Wednesday's Albania Clash
After the good news of the returns of Rafael van der Vaart, Ibrahim Afellay, and Urby Emanuelson, Netherlands fans will be heartbroken to hear that Wesley Sneijder picked up an ankle injury in training today and is unlikely to feature in Wednesday's Euro Qualifier against Albania.
We registered a convincing win against Bulgaria on Saturday thanks to strikes from Sneijder and van Nistelrooij, but may have a harder time doing away with the less threatening Albanians without the golden boot of Sneijder.
Sneijder, who has scored 4 goals in his last 3 games (including the strike against Bulgaria and 3 in his first 2 games for Real Madrid) has been exceptional for club and country this year, and will be sorely missed by both if his injury happens to be worse than at first expected.
Nonetheless, it would be difficult to envision the powerful Dutch losing against an Albanian team which has only 9 points from 7 games. The undefeated Oranje could pull even with group leaders Romania (who have played one more game) if they manage to pull out a win against Albania.
All that we can do at this point is hope that Sneijder's injury is nothing major.
We registered a convincing win against Bulgaria on Saturday thanks to strikes from Sneijder and van Nistelrooij, but may have a harder time doing away with the less threatening Albanians without the golden boot of Sneijder.
Sneijder, who has scored 4 goals in his last 3 games (including the strike against Bulgaria and 3 in his first 2 games for Real Madrid) has been exceptional for club and country this year, and will be sorely missed by both if his injury happens to be worse than at first expected.
Nonetheless, it would be difficult to envision the powerful Dutch losing against an Albanian team which has only 9 points from 7 games. The undefeated Oranje could pull even with group leaders Romania (who have played one more game) if they manage to pull out a win against Albania.
All that we can do at this point is hope that Sneijder's injury is nothing major.
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