25 JULY 2024; Ajax - FK Vojvodina; Europa League Qualifier

[Orange14]

First time in a long while (I think) that Ajax are playing in July in match that means something. They draw a Serbian side that I know nothing about in the first qualifier to get into the Europa League. Return match is a week later in Serbia.

[SPL]

Should be an easy tie. If we do lose in the Europa play offs we will be able to play in the Conference play offs. Lose the 4th qualifier and we would go direct to Conference .

Buying and selling players will have to be a bit more planned than last summer when most arrived late August.

[Orange14]

Lineup: Pasveer; Rensch, Sutalo, Baas, Hato; Henderson, Taylor, Fitz-Jim; Rassmussen, Akpom, Forbs

Maybe Kaplan has not had enough training time which is why Baas is starting.

[saddlerian]

Their skipper looked terrified at the coin toss!!!

[SPL]

TNT ,which I have ie VirginTV dont show qualifiers and I struggle to find a stream so will give it a miss.

[saddlerian]

Pity you're in UK..I just use an app on my phone..& tablet..most banned from downloading in UK...but I downloaded them in EU & Russia..they work in UK, but 'illegally'

I thought in EUFA & FIFA competitions, shirt names had to be in English!!!

[saddlerian]

Half Time 0-0...plenty of chances..once they got out of the negative passing backwards every time..gradually taking control, Vojvodina no real threat...but convinced that a 2 goal lead will be needed!!



Steve..if you can WhatsApp me.. I'll send the link I use ..1 or 2 apps, ±7 980 100 1434. Ian

[Jinne]

Its on YouTube too. Not sure if you can watch it from everywhere.

[SPL]

Cheers guys I dont whats app and youtube is in Netherlands only .Dont have much luck with streams in Uk as Ian says they are illegal. I will have a word with my son before next weeks game as he knows how to get streams.I will pay for Triller Tv ,which is the legal TV stream for Eredivise games in Uk .

Clearly not missed much in that 45 mins.

[Tom_]

The squad is still very poor. I guess there is time for some changes but failing something drastic I’m expecting a similar story to last season. I’d be very surprised if they get through three rounds of qualifying and make the Europa League.

[saddlerian]

Well, a one goal win is at least a win!! Not too impressed as I really expected more..also not very impressed with the attitude & behaviour of the Serbian visitors..quite a few Oscar standard performances!!
Ajax will have to concentrate next week..on discipline and method!!
Good luck!!

[Orange14]

Optimism -> Pessimism -> Despair -> Exaltation (finally)
Ajax squeak out a 1-0 win with a header from van den Boomen off a nice cross from Godts late in the 2nd half. Ajax had plenty of chances to score in the first half but the Serb defense was tough crowding the box and blocking what looked to be sure goals. Taylor had two open shots but could not put them on frame. Pasveer keeps a clean sheet thanks to the upright that blocked shot of the Vojvodina attacker who was suddenly and probably to his own amazement in on goal. Otherwise the defense was solid and Vojvodina did not have any breakaways as was so common last season. This team desperately needs Brobbey back at #9 and soon.

Player Ratings:

Pasveer (5.5) - unconvincing with some short kicks in the 1st half that went straight to opponent attackers and he did not have to make any difficult saves
Rensch (6) - decent enough defending and overlapping on the inside (maybe the correct term is underlapping??) had a couple of good crosses when he had the opportunity
Sutalo (6.5) - thought he was good on the night defensively but still looks insecure with the ball
Baas (6.5) - solid performance and unlike Sutalo he is good with the ball at his feet
Hato (6.5) - looks like he will be the LB of choice this season
Henderson (6.5) - workmanlike performance but at his age can he keep it up
Taylor (5.5) - should have done better with his opportunities and picked up a very stupid YC for dissent
Fitz-Jim (6)- quick with the ball at his feet but we already knew that, unfortunately at #10 he is not much of an attacking threat but I guess Farioli prefers him to Hlynsson
Rasmussen (6.5) - was worried after his first two poor touches but then he came alive and beat his man a couple of times and looked dangerous
Akpom (5.5) - two weak headers and that was that, he looks too slow and I hope some EPL team will pay Ajax funny money as Rijkoff is better
Forbs (6.5) - dangerous and had two very good shots that were saved and blocked, he still has a poor touch dribbling letting the ball get away, that may be why Pep let him go
Godts (6.5) - on for Rasmussen and was solid, delivering the ball perfectly for the game winner
Berghuis (6) - put a strong shift in with a couple good crosses
van den Boomen (6.5) - best passer and free kick taker and got the match winner but likely will be sold soon
Rijkoff (5) - on with van den Boomen but hardly touched the ball
Banel (NR) - on late

I'm on holiday next week and won't have access to a feed to watch the game.

[SPL]

At least we won and we must hope for better finishing next week. Brobbey ought to get 45 mins in Serbia.Reading Showtime comments not many fans rate Akpom starting .Ok as a sub but Orange 14's assessment sums up most fans.Need some EPL club to come along with 20m.