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Match Report: Ajax 5, Fortuna Sittard 0
Marvelous start for the 'new' Ajax
22 August: Ajax carried their impressive pre-season form
into their first official match of the new season, beating
Fortuna Sittard 5-0 in a marvelous game. Although only four new
players - compared to last season - played in this team, the
crowd saw a new Ajax, convinced of their opportunities, playing
as if they have done this for years. This immediately made
clear that Co Adriaanse is far more able to get the best out of
his squad than his predecessor Jan Wouters.
The new players of this Ajax team were Norwegian defender
Bergdølmo, Chech midfielder Galasek and the Ajax
youngsters Van der Meijde and Bobson. While Bobson replaces the
injured Grønkjær, the others seem to have taken a
regular position in Adriaanse's first eleven. Because of
Galasek's entry in the team, John O'Brien had to take a place
on the bench. Although this was to be expected, the positioning
on the pitch was a bit surprising.
Richard Witschge and not Galasek played at the center of the
midfield, just in front of the defense. Galasek played on the
right side of midfield, moving Winter to the left side.
Adriaanse was probably satisfied with the performances of
Witschge at that position in the pre season games. But during
those convincing games it was O'Brien who played on the left
midfield, whereas Winter played on the right. A continuation of
that line-up would have been more understandable, but Adriaanse
changed it anyway.
In any event, the position of Witschge was undisputed. His
great passes were a feast for the eyes, bringing both van der
Meijde and Bobson into good attacking positions.
Ajax had a flashing start, with Arveladze scoring after only
nine minutes. Fortuna's goalkeeper Ruud Hesp, who played last
years for nothing less than spanish top club Barcelona,
couldn't prevent the Georgian player from scoring the first.
For the remainder of the first half the confident Amsterdammers
played almost entirely in front of Fortuna's goal. Van der
Meijde created a few great chances for Knopper, Winter and
Galasek, but they all missed, some by inches.
After the break it took Ajax just five minutes to re-ignite
the offensive fire. Almost immediately after Fortuna striker
Gerritsen failed to capitalize on a good chance to equalize in
the 57th minute, Knopper scored the second goal thanks to a
good pass from Arveladze. Arveladze himself scored the 3-0
after a huge mistake by Fortuna defender Volmer (75').
Adriaanse then used all his substitutions at once: out went
Arveladze, Knopper, and Bobson; in went Hosé, Van der
Gun, and Wamberto. Those who were made anxious by this tactical
stunt of Adriaanse were reassured when Brutil Hosé
scored within his first minute on the pitch, after another
great ball from Van der Meijde (76'). Man of the match Richard
Witschge ended this terrific evening with an excellent goal,
lifting the ball just over Hesp 90th minute.
After this first round of play, Ajax finds themselves in
first place with their greatest opponents PSV near the bottom.
Last year's champions are now 17th in the table following a
surprising defeat in their first game. (BV)
Pictures:
Ajax Foto Side
