Young Ajax wins Amstel Cup, 'double' for reserves teams
17 May: Young Ajax has grabbed the 'double' in Dutch
football for reserves teams. After having clinched the
championship in the Beloftencompetitie ('Talent
Competition') in the unlikely environment of the
KNVB court-room, the Amstel Malt Cup (Amstel Cup for
reserves teams) was lifted in the backyard of the KNVB. The
final against Young Feyenoord (3-2) had to be played behind
closed doors, due to fear of hooligan violence in
retaliation for the
'De Toekomst riots' of 15 April.
The cup final between the reserves teams of the eternal
enemies from Amsterdam and Rotterdam was originally assigned to
Kerkrade's Parkstad Limburg Stadium. However, the mayor of
Kerkrade decided to ban the game from his city after the
outburst of violence at De Toekomst. He feared that hooligans
from both cities regarded the Amstel Malt Cup final as a next
opportunity to 'settle the score'. The KNVB tried to find an
alternative venue for the game, but no Dutch city wanted to
serve as the host for this emotionally charged 'high risk'
event.
It was then decided to not only play the game behind closed
doors, but also at a secret location. Even the players of both
clubs remained uninformed until match day. As the players' bus
left the ArenA, Young Ajax coach John van 't Schip could reveal
where they were going: to the KNVB headquarters in the forests
around the town of Zeist.
No supporters were allowed in, no press, just some club
officials. An estimated 100 people were watching as Young Ajax
and Young Feyenoord took the pitch. What a difference with last
season's atmospheric Amstel Malt Cup final between Young
Ajax and Young PSV, in RBC's Vast & Goed Stadium in
Roosendaal.
Young Feyenoord was the dominant side in the opening phase.
The Rotterdammers even took an early lead, courtesy of
first team player Anthony Lurling (07'). Young Feyenoord had
two fine chances to double the score, but failed to, after
which Young Ajax started playing better and increased the
pressure. It culminated in Robin Muller van Moppes' equalizer
just before the break. 1-1 was the fair half time score.
In the second half, Young Ajax was the clearly
better side. The Amsterdammers had more possession,
more chances and - eventually - more
goals. Michael Krohn-Dehli put Ajax in the lead on the
hour, on a fine pass by Stanley Aboraa. The
latter made it 3-1 himself, ten minutes later (70').
It all seemed over for the Rotterdammers, until Jose
Valencia's hand-ball inside the penalty area. Valencia was sent
off, after which Gill Swerts converted from the penalty
spot: 3-2 (80'). The final ten minutes were hectic
and saw some scary moments in front of the Ajax goal,
but Young Ajax survived, so that the Amstel Cup could
be lifted.
Young Ajax captain Jason Culina, who will move to FC Twente
this summer, not only received the Amstel Malt Cup,
but also the championship shield for the Talent Competition,
which had not been presented to Young Ajax yet, as the
title was officially clinched in the court-room.
Young Ajax players and coaches,
with league
and cup trophies, in Zeist. [Photo: Ajax.nl]
Being the Dutch reserves' champion, Young Ajax was
already certain of a slot in next season's 'big' Amstel Cup.
The reserves' cup winner also qualifies for the Amstel Cup.
Therefore, Young Feyenoord was already sure to occupy that
second slot before the cup final.
The clinching of the 'double' marks the succesful
apotheosis of Young Ajax's first season under coaches John
van 't Schip and Marco van Basten, both highly
respected by players, club officials and supporters
alike. They will also coach Young Ajax next season. It also
marks the end of a succesful season for all of Ajax's most
prestigious teams: the first team, Young Ajax and Ajax A1 all
grabbed the Dutch championship. Ajax's Saturday-1 amateur team,
meanwhile, managed to stay up in its first season in the
Hoofdklasse ('Top Class') of Dutch amateur football.
(MP)
Source: Ajax.nl, Feyenoord.nl
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