10 Apr 2011: Ajax - FC Groningen

[Tom_]

Groningen are playing very defensive... their DMs are not letting us play 'between the lines' at all

[ajaxcolombia]

I can't watch the game cause all I can find are sopcasts, which for some reason I can't manage to play in my computer despite downloading all kins of programs. Anyway, how are we lined up today?

[rjf1]

True - G are packing in the defense. Under the circumstances, I think we are doing quite well -- came very close on 3 occasions. As they tire, later in the 2nd half, our chances will come. Just so we don't give anything stupid away.

[ofey]

62% possession. We aren't exactly bossing though.

Need something to spark this. I like the idea of Micky being able to roam.
Still think Mounir isn't pulling his weight though he had one good turn.

[Van basten]

Another sad first half performance. If we have Lodeiro on the bench, please let him in!

[Orange14]

I think that was one of the best halves of football that we have played all season. Too bad we couldn't find a way to put one of the chances in the goal. Defensively we pressed all over the field creating turnovers and not conceding any dangerous chances. Groningen is not going to let Vertonghen bring the ball up, they have two men on the left every time the ball comes out from Vermeer. This is actually a good thing because Oojier is a better passer than Alderweireld. I didn't see a bad pass from him and he got the ball into the Groningen midfield almost every time. Our passing in the midfield is quicker and more precise than I've seen it. They are keeping the space between players which is essential. With Anita on instead of Enoh we have another good passer in the midfield and one who sees the developing play.

El Hamdaoui probably should have finished the opening he created. He still needs to be less selfish and pass the ball rather than dribbling into players; he's not enough of a good dribbler to get out of bad situation. Ozbiliz should lose the stepover nonsense and just do the fundamental things. His dancing allows a second defender to come in. When he went to the goal line he beat his man and was able to cross the ball.

Let's get the quick goal in the second half which should open things up.

[Orange14]

Another sad first half performance. If we have Lodeiro on the bench, please let him in!

I'm not sure that will make a difference the way de Boer has things set up. He has dropped de Jong way back and given him more defensive work to do. We may see Lodeiro come on but that would leave things a little more exposed. I think if it's still 0-0 at the 65 minute mark that substitution may take place.

[Tom_]

Looks like Twente - Roda is still 0-0 at half time.

[ofey]

so far all that I've learnt in 8 minutes of the second half is Vermeer is pretty decent.
and the fans don't really like Rik?

Ebecillio on for Ozbilliz

[ofey]

Matavz is on for Gronigen

[Tom_]

ooh what a buildup that was

[Orange14]

van der Wiel's lack of a left foot really hurt on the chance.

[ofey]

Micky!!

[Van basten]

Mickey

[Orange14]

Just when I get ready to compalin about van der Wiel he makes the pass of the season. Great pass great finish by Sulejmani. Defense now!

[bluedaddy19]

gorgeousness!!!


btw ruiz has missed a penalty for twente, still 0-0

[kezme44]

[Tom_]

Bit of a circus goal, but we'll take it!

20 minutes to hang on. The crowd is really shitting me the way they're whistling at El H...

[Amol]

phew. I just didn't see us score today. Glad to be proved wrong.

[ofey]

Vertongen!!

[Orange14]

Jan Vertonghen gets one off a goal mouth scramble.

[Van basten]

Jan

[ajaxcolombia]

Wow mickey sulejmani comes through!!! finally! Funny that we always need a strange play to score the first goal. Let's have no monkey business on the back pleas!!!

[Amol]

2-0!!! Lets just run to the bank now please.

[bluedaddy19]

cmon roda jc!!!!