Football United

In an entertaining game PSV made quick work of the team that snatched three precious points from Eindhoven last season. Opponent AZ had no other option but to along with the wishes of the hosts who earned their second win of the season. The visitors could not prevent PSV from coasting to a large 5-1 win. John de Jong was involved in all five goals; he gave three assists and scored a second half double.

By scoring five goals for the second time in succession the self confidence of new look PSV must have received a great boost, which is a favourable development, now that the crucial UCL qualifying game against Red Star will take place next Wednesday night. Last week lowly RBC were the victims, but tonight one of the Dutch top clubs were battered. Seven different PSV players have got their names on the score sheets after two league games.

Phillip Cocu and Wilfred Bouma were on the sidelines, but Mark van Bommel as unquestioned captain, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Ji-Sung Park full of passion and John de Jong as a master of efficiency, the first home game of the season was a big party. Tonight the Alkmaar based club were not equal to PSV in Eindhoven, in spite of the commendable, but hazardous tactics of AZ coach Co Adriaanse.

On twenty minutes PSV took the lead by skipper Van Bommel, who struck the crucial opening goal for the home guard from some twelve yards out. AZ could not create any single chance in the first half, but PSV began to grow in authority and were close to doubling the advantage a couple of times. Alex and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink pulled out fine saves from AZ keeper Henk Timmer. Five minutes from half time Co Adriaanse thought it was high time to change his tactical plan. Central defender Barry Opdam was taken off and forward Robin Nelisse left he bench in order to increase the pressure. It meant that AZ played man to man at the back. It turned to be a risky approach, as AZ became quite vulnerable in defence. They attempted to threaten more, but actually PSV stand-in keeper Edwin Zoetebier had an easy night.

Straight after the restart Vennegoor of Hesselink showed his skills. A super back heel pass could be stopped by Timmer only in the nick of time. The visitors took even more risks and they soon bowed before the storm. After an hour’s play André Ooijer headed home from a corner and PSV were in the driving seat.



AZ capitulated and PSV surged forward. The large crowd, the attendance was 33, 000, watched substitute Leandro cleverly set up Lee, who turned provider for John de Jong; 3-0. Soon afterwards Timmer was beaten by a subtle Park lob: 4-0. Adil Ramzi pulled one back, but by scoring his second goal of the night, John de Jong saw that it that the final score was a fair reflection of the balance of power and piled on the agony for AZ. No AZ player saw a yellow card, which is also evidence of the fact that AZ resigned themselves to their fate.

Goals: 21 Van Bommel (1-0), 58 Ooijer (2-0), 70 John de Jong (3-0), 75 Ji-Sung Park (4-0), 85 Ramzi (4-1), 88 John de Jong (5-1)

Source: PSV.nl