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Match Report: Ajax breaks the curse with 3-0 win

Since the grass finally had started growing, there was only one curse remaining on the Amsterdam ArenA: Ajax couldn't beat PSV. Since the stadium was built in 1996, Ajax had lost at home ten times and drew once. Yesterday, Ajax got rid of this last curse with a convincing 3-0 victory. As an extra bonus, the victory earned them a trip to the final of the Amstel Cup Tournament, to be played on May 12 in the Rotterdam Kuip against FC Utrecht.

Ajax started energetically, with a very good chance for Mido after only three minutes. This provided a telling answer to those critics who in recent weeks have accused Ajax' young players of acting more like celebrities than professionals. Although Mido failed to score, another good chance from Chivu (a bicycle kick) later on made clear that Ajax would give everything to win this game.

And that was probably the biggest difference with their opponent PSV, who were playing as if they couldn't care less. Surprisingly, top scorer Vennegoor of Hesselink was benched. The other two strikers remaining on the pitch, Bruggink and Kezman, couldn't create any danger. Although PSV had more ball possession in the first half, it was Ajax who got the best chances.

Koeman: "We started very well. We put a lot of pressure and forced PSV to build their attacks via their backs. This idea was successful. In the first 20 minutes we created two good chances. Later on the match levelled. We had to take the lead, and the moment we did couldn't have been better: just before half time."

It was Bergdølmo who scored the 1-0 from 11 meters, after Mido was fouled by Hofland in the penalty box. Bergdølmo was as cool as always from the penalty spot - in the upper ninety for a change! A few minutes before that, Ajax might have been given a penalty also, but referee Luinge did not believe that Machlas had been fouled during a tackle.

In the second half, Ajax was far the better team and PSV didn't show any intention to win this game. Coach Gerets brought in Vennegoor of Hesselink, but the tall striker got very little good service. It was Ajax who controlled the match, with Trabelsi, Bergdølmo and Chivu playing excellently in defense again. The latter announced this week in Dutch newspapers that he is ready for his next step in his soccer career and that he is thinking of leaving Ajax if a European top club offers him a contract.

The 21-year old Romanian showed again that he is indeed ready to play in a stronger league, but it would be rather disappointing for Ajax and its supporters if they lose him so soon. For the first time in years, Ajax finally has a solid central duo in the defense with Chivu and Bergdølmo, and his departure would set the club back for at least a year.

This match Chivu ruled as captain again, and seemed determined to counter those who criticized the team's lack of fighting spirit. Ajax played with passion and, especially in the second half, outclassed PSV. The Eindhoven team created one good chance to equalize, but moments after they failed to do so, the Ajax counter led to a match-sealing goal from Tomas Galásek (2-0). Two minutes later, Andy van der Meyde also scored to make it a compelling 3-0. Surprisingly, the right winger didn't start in the line-up this evening. According to Koeman, this was because the last matches he didn't create enough danger from the right side.

The victory over PSV will be very good for the self-confidence the players need so desperately for the last four matches of the league. But Koeman also watches for too much optimism and overconfidence: "It has happened a lot that a good match was followed by a bad one." (BV)

GOALS:

• 45' 1-0 André Bergdølmo (pen)
• 82' 2-0 Tomás Galásek
• 84' 3-0 Andy van der Meyde

Referee: Luinge
Yellow cards: Hofland (PSV)
Attendance: 37,748

Ajax line-up: Grim, Trabelsi, Bergdølmo, Chivu, O'Brien, Galásek, Van Halst, Pienaar (70' Yakubu), Maxwell, Machlas (73' Van der Meyde), Mido

PSV line-up: Waterreus, Bøgelund, Ooijer, Hofland (73' Faber), Bouma, Van Bommel, Vogel (75' De Jong), Bruggink (64' Vennegoor of Hesselink), Rommedahl, Kezman, Ramzi

Related Links:

• Discussion: Ajax current form
• Discussion: Amstel Cup games
• Ajax.nl: Match Report (in Dutch, with pictures and video of goals)