21 Dec 2008: De Graafschap - Ajax

[Kowalczyk]

Two more league games to go.

I've been saying this for many weeks, and I will say it again: I was absolutely convinced that Ajax would beat NAC Breda. Home game, good opponent and the players knew that they simply couldn't drop points in two consecutive home matches. I was convinced they were going to do the job.

I've been saying all along that not NAC at home, but De Graafschap away was the trickiest of the last four games before the new year. Ajax beat NAC Breda and my fear is that they're now thinking that NAC was the highest remaining hurdle of 2008. The last two games? Oh, 'only' De Graafschap and ADO Den Haag. De Graafschap are traditionally a tough, physical side. They have a fanatical home crowd. They beat Feyenoord at De Kuip. It may be stormy and cold... Last game before Christmas...

This one has 'banana skin' written all over it - and as confident as I was for the NAC match, as worried I am for this one.

K.

[Orange14]

It may be stormy and cold... Last game before Christmas...

This one has 'banana skin' written all over it - and as confident as I was for the NAC match, as worried I am for this one.

K.

This is key!! I remember what van Basten said after the Heerenveen match about the team not being able to play in bad weather. If you look at the poor matches we have played this is the one common thread!!!

[Blind3]

I have bad memories of a 1:1 in December Doetinchem weather. Having been to this part of the country on a tour in 2000, my memories are of a cold wind from the river. And that was during September.


The above match was from Dec 7, 2002. I believe we also drew with them during 2001-2002 at their place.

[Kowalczyk]

Okay, here we go...

Still not a great feeling about it.

Come on Ajax, don't fuck it up!

K.

[Van basten]

Starting line-up:

Vermeer, V.d.Wiel Oleguer, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Urby, Gabri, Enoh, Suarez, Cvitanich, Sulejmani.

If i could choose before the game, i would prefer exactly this starting squad! :hupajax.gif:

[Orange14]

What a morning already. I have the tv showing the world club championship (ManU v. Liga of Equador) and the computer booted up to ESPN 360 with the Ajax match.

[Van basten]

Cvitanich!

[Ajaxfanuk]

CVITANICH!!!!

[Ajaxfanuk]

and SULEJMANI!, brilliant start! 2 - 0 ajax in around 12 minutes!

[Orange14]

Now Sulejmani, we are finally learning to score GOALS

[Van basten]

Sulejmani!! Their defence is a big hole. Let's repeat our last year's performance!

[Van basten]

What a save by Vermeer!

[Tom_]

Just got home... hope I haven't missed all the action!

[Ajaxfanuk]

De graafschap down to 10 men, a cynical horrible elbow in cvitaniches face,

[Van basten]

Ok, it's over, we won this one. Let's enjoy it now! More goals!!!!

[Ajaxfanuk]

that was such a dumb act of aggression, so cynical, so malicious, hope Dario is alright.

One of them just took out vermaelen too, they are just getting frustrated and lashing out, all of which bodes well for us...as long as we dont pick up injuries

[Ajaxfanuk]

just had a lucky escape...perhaps 2 - 0 isnt that comfortable

[Ajaxfanuk]

haha Vermeer, makes a total hash of the cross but manages to claw it away

HALF TIME De Graafschap 0 - 2 Ajax

De Graaf down to 10 men, Ajax, playing well actually, admittedly these are not world beating opponents but our play seems fluid, Enoh and Gabri, marshalling the midfield, defence seems strong, some good work from Vermeer, and Sulejmani is the best striker for me going into the break.

more of the same please!

[SPL]

On paper it seems ok but even with 10 men they have had a couple of chances. I wont feel happy until 3rd goes in.Justin tv showing in Bulgarian but although it has frozen a couple of times I am getting a clear picture.

[Tom_]

that was such a dumb act of aggression, so cynical, so malicious, hope Dario is alright.

And also about 2 metres away from the referee... oops

[Ajaxfanuk]

De Graafschap Defender....FAIL

[Kowalczyk]

I'm quite pleased with the first half, all in all. I was quite worried about this fixture.

I think Ajax look alright offensively. More creativity than in the last two or three games. I saw a few nice attacking patterns, especially over the left flank. Sulejmani and Urby looking good.

Defensively we're still too vulnerable, to put it diplomatically. Oleguer and Van der Wiel have been poor for a number of weeks now and they really need to get their shit together. Now.

K.

[Tom_]

Haha, exactly

[Ajaxfanuk]

Defensively we're still too vulnerable, to put it diplomatically. Oleguer and Van der Wiel have been poor for a number of weeks now and they really need to get their shit together. Now.

K.

Couldnt have put it better myself

[Van basten]

Penalty!

Suarez! 3-0