Feyenoord still without points in UEFA cup

After two games in group H, Feyenoord is still pointless. The Gertjan Verbeek coached team lost in De Kuip 1-3 against CSKA Moscow. Last month, Nancy was too strong with 3-0.

A unique feat however, is that Feyenoord reaped applause and praise from the fans. When Gertjan Verbeek left the pitch after the game, the fans stood up and applauded the coach, who actually lost more games than he won. The fans clearly opt for positivism instead of cynicism.

Gio van Bronckhorst, Feyenoord’s skipper, was the Man of the Match. But not in a good way. He played a main part in the game, in a positive way, but mainly negatively as well.

An own goal of Van Bronckhorst gave CSKA the 0-1. The 33 year old took revenge and scored the 1-1 after a good flowing attack, but five minutes before half time he gave the assist for CSKA’s second goal.

Georginio Wijnaldum, the danger man at Feyenoord, was the most impressive player in the beginning of the game. The 17 year old received a number of knocks in the early minutes of the game; the CSKA players were warned for him, apparently.

Wijnaldum was creative in the build up, with some impressive actions, but was a bit sloppy on the Feyenoord half, driving his coach nuts.

Feyenoord fought itself back into the game after the unlucky own goal by Gio. Leroy Fer and Roy Makaay combined beautifully and the same Gio scored the 1-1.
Minutes before, Makaay hit the cross bar with a header. But in the 40est minutes, Gio headed the ball back to Timmer, but too soft. Brazilian Love could pick the ball up and score 1-2.

Feyenoord did everything to find the equalizer and Makaay missed a huge chance. The Russians, watched by team manager Guus Hiddink, had several chances to finish the game in the counter-attack but failed.

Love would eventually score a wonderful 1-3 and they killed the game for Feyenoord.

Van Bronckhorst: “I was really distraught when that 1-2 happened. What a mistake. My mates and the fans pulled me through though, but it wasn’t to be. This is a big blow.”

Tiendalli made his debut in the starting line up. In the beginning of the season, he had heard he was the number 4 option for the right back position, but with Lucius and Greene injured, the former Ajax talent snatched up his chance after two brilliant replacement turns.

It seems Feyenoord’s role in Europe is over. They need a miracle against Deportivo and Lech Poznan to get back in the race. Verbeek: “It’s going to be very hard, but not impossible. We really progress. I think everyone can see that. I can only be satisfied with the way we played. Apart from the result, we did exactly what we set out to do, in terms of game plan.

Feyenoord had beaten Roda JC 0-4 and found confidence. The dollar fueled opponent from Moscow seemed to be too tough on paper, but Verbeek saw definitely possibilities. Feyenoord played a tight game and tried to dominate, Dutch style, via the wings. Leroy Fer worked his socks of Kuyt-style and Karim El Ahmadi and Gio van Bronckhorst ruled in midfield.

But, Feyenoord had to change the game all the time and it seemed the leading goal was waiting in the wings. A beautiful flowing attack via Biseswar allowed Makaay a huge chance but the ball just missed the goal.

“I can’t blame my team. We are working really hard during the whole game and we play better and better. I am convinced we will reap the rewards.”