Ajax winst the National Cup

A month ago, AZ was looking a three big prices to win. The UEFA cup, the Dutch championship and the National Cup.

Yesterday, the third chance on a big price was lost against Ajax. And again in Rotterdam, after having lost the championship against Excelsior Rotterdam. Ryan Donk missed the decisive fifteenth (!) penalty-kick after which Edgar Davids scored his.

After a week of mourning, AZ again went up for a price. After three minutes, the 1-0 was on the score-board, a goal by AZ striker Dembele. That was the starting sign for an exciting, high paced and high quality match. And both teams were not out to give presents to one another. It was a tough duel, committing both coaches actively along side the lines.

In the second half, Ajax struck back. A midfield dribble by Wesley Sneijder, a beautiful through-pass on Huntelaar and a Van Nistelrooy-strike high in the net: 1-1.

AZ was already denied the 2-0 by Ryan Donk, who handled the ball with his hand – according to the referee. Both teams had chances on more. Jenner and Koevermans had 100% chances, but Ajax goalie Stekelenburg saved. Arveladze hit the post. Edgar Davids hit the post. In the 88th minute it seemed Ajax marathon man Gabri offered AZ the key by hitting AZ midfielder Demy de Zeeuw. Gabri was shown the red card and Ajax needed to survive the extra time with 10 players. In that phase, AZ was on top of things but they simply forgot to score. So this fight would end from the spot.

The first 5 penalty-kickers of both teams did not make a mistake. After 14 succesful penalties, Ryan Donk stepped up and Stekelenburg could just put his fingers on the ball, but it was enough. Veteran Edgar Davids forgot his cramp and scored the final penalty kick, sending an eruption of joy through the Ajax side of the fans in the Kuip.

Van Gaal: “The disappointment is huge, again. But different this time. We played well, we did everything we could. We can leave the pitch proudly, this time.”

Danny Koevermans: “We can’t really blame ourselves. We did everything right, bar scoring. After Gabri’s red card, we deserved to win, but if you can’t score…”

AZ coach van Gaal again: “I wasn’t really happy with the ref, although we should blame ourselves. But in our losing match against Werder Bremen it was a referee decision that put us on the back foot. Same against Excelsior and now again (with the denial of Donk’s goal). But that’s football, I guess.”

Ajax coach Henk ten Cate: “I said before that this was a consolation cup, but that’s not fair. A friend of mine said it’s better to call it a big price, as a consolation. That’s better put. But hey, it was tough. To be honest, after the break AZ was the better team. But we are very very happy with this result.”

Ten Cate: “Mentally, this is a big bonus. We have still some important matches to play in the play-offs for the Champions League ticket so this victory will help. But at the same time, most of my players are physically broken. I see little injuries, cramp and we only have three days to prepare for the Heerenveen match.”

Of wich one day will be lost, because Ajax agreed to celebrate the cup in Amsterdam with the fans tomorrow (Jan: today). Ten Cate about this: “I am not so happy with it from the play-offs perspective. But then again, it’s a price, the fans supported us 120%. So it’s our duty to give the fans the big celebration tomorrow. That’s just how it is. But (future opponents of Ajax and AZ) FC Twente and Heerenveen must have been really enjoying our fight, here.”