Football United

PSV progress to the Champions League knockout stages for the second year in succession. PSV head coach Guus Hiddink guided his team to a 2-0 win over Fenerbahçe SK, thanks to goals scored by Phillip Cocu and Jefferson Farfán on either side of the break.

Not dependent
One day after the death of Frits Philips, a capacity crowd in the Eindhoven Philips Stadium respectfully observed a minute’s silence to this devoted PSV fan. But then the players were made to work hard for the full 90 minutes and when the final whistle went, the celebrations were started. PSV did what they had to do on matchday six. They recorded their third group stage home won and were therefore not dependent on the result of the other group tie (AC Milan-Schalke). PSV have now booked a place in the last sixteen of the most prestigious tournament in Europe. The Italians claimed a 3-2 win over Schalke, which means that AC Milan as well as PSV are through to the next round. This is a fantastic achievement, the more so as the group E rivals were all formidable opponents and as PSV had to field quite a few new players, following the summer’s exodus of some regulars.

Cocu opener
It was an equally contested game during the first fifteen minutes. PSV had a good organization as their first priority and did not start too many moves. Fenerbahçe had most possession, but PSV did not take any risks and kept battling. PSV created the first danger on thirteen minutes from a set piece and were immediately rewarded. Jefferson Farfán struck a free kick and captain Phillip Cocu cleverly headed the ball home; 1-0.



Ismail Aissati
Ibrahim Afellay, who seemed to have made a timely recovery from his groin injury for this crucial game, had to be taken off after all and was replaced by Ismail Aissati. PSV created their second chance of the night on the half hour mark, when Farfán’s effort took a nasty bounce and Fenerbahçe keeper Volkan did well to push it away for a corner at the near post. PSV were shown one yellow card during the first period: Robert was cautioned when Fenerbahçe player Alex had gone down readily. The Brazilian played on the left flank, where he performed both his offensive and defensive duties convincingly. He threatened soon after the restart, but his cross went just over the bar.

Farfán goal
PSV did not get any clear-cut chances after the restart. Farfán and Simons rifled shots that lacked strength and precision. PSV refused to take any risks: Robert was taken off and defender Michael Reiziger came on to strengthen the defensive options. Fenerbahçe kept up the pressure, but they were not able to produce any really dangerous moments. PSV continued to watch for an opportunity to start a lethal counter attack and their patience was rewarded five minutes from final time. Vennegoor of Hesselink superbly headed on a long ball from Cocu. Farfán coolly turned the ball in over Volkan: 2-0. Game, set and match and time for great celebrations in Eindhoven.

Impressive homage
The evening had an impressive start when the crowd paid an impressive homage to Frits Philips, who had died at the age of 100. As a Philips top manager, as a lifelong devoted PSV fan and as an exemplary citizen of Eindhoven, he had been a club hero and a town icon. A sell out crowd, there were 35, 000 spectators, raised their white and red match programmes, when Guus Meeuwis performed a modest and subdued song as well as when a minute’s silence was observed. Guus Meeuwis put an end to the party for all the fans in the way ‘Mister Frits’ would have liked.

Goals: 14 Cocu, 85 Farfán



Source: PSV.nl, uefa.com