Football United

PSV had a bright start to a hectic week in which they play three games. The leaders of the Holland Casino Eredivisie eased to a comfortable 4-0 win in the Eindhoven Philips Stadium over ADO Den Haag. Ji-Sung Park was the star of the afternoon in a game that was dominated by the hosts from start to finish.



PSV shrugged off ADO Den Haag, beforehand qualified as ‘a stubborn side’, as if they were taking a Sunday afternoon walk in the park. The team coached by Guus Hiddink, who were apparently not feeling the fatigue of the AS Monaco clash, did not take off their feet of the pedal, although they will face tough opponents as FC Groningen and Ajax on respectively Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. They proved to be grown-up team once again and controlled the game in a mature, business-like manner.
It was not the first time this season that PSV had a dream start. Only six minutes were on the clock when Phillip Cocu fed Ji-Sung Park, who headed the ball past ADO Den Haag keeper Dorus de Vries;1-0. PSV were on top and that did not change in the remaining minutes of the game.

ADO Den Haag had hardly if any influence in the proceedings and did not create a single chance in the first period. PSV were in control and patiently built up their moves, trying to find space to score a second goal. They were successful on the half hour mark. Park intercepted a pass and fired against the inside of the post. PSV captain Mark van Bommel was on the right place to finish home the rebound; 2-0.

Minutes before Young-Pyo Lee had also hit the inside of the post. The only worry PSV might have had was that Van Bommel, Bouma en Vogel would not pick up a yellow card, because of which they would be suspended for the next game. And the players also were anxious not to sustain injuries at this stage of the campaign. PSV added a third goal on the verge of half time. Cocu was again provider; he found Park who outwitted his marker before superbly slotting home; 3-0



Johann Vogel had been taken off at half time and Hiddink brought on the American international DaMarcus Beasley as an extra forward. The game was virtually over and ADO did not show any inspiration to pull one back. PSV did not have to dig deep in their resources to control the game, which was a one-sided affair in the second period as well. Robert, who left the bench thirty minutes from final time, was again granted some playing time (he took over from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink) and John de Jong was also brought on, against his former club. He replaced Farfán. PSV ended the rout at the death, when Alex produced a trade-mark glancing header from a corner. Final score: 4-0.

PSV will play two away games. The Eindhoven team will travel to FC Groningen on Thursday night and Ajax will play hosts to PSV in the ArenA on Sunday afternoon.

Goals: 6´ Park, 28´ Van Bommel, 42´ Park, 88´ Alex


Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. PSV 24 61
2. AZ 24 57
3. Ajax 24 53
4. Feyenoord 24 47
5. Vitesse 25 43