Ajax impresses in cup match vs FC Utrecht

September 26, 2008

Huntelaar scored the 2-0

Before the game, a reporter asked Ajax coach van Basten if he was worried to play against cup fighter FC Utrecht. The former Milan star, with his dry humor, answered: “Cupfighter? That is history, man. I am not worried at all.” Normally, a remark like that aimed at FC Utrecht would result in a fierce battle and would fuel the resistance of the club from Van Basten’s city of birth. Not last Thursday though.

When Huntelaar missed a penalty against Utrecht, most fans thought Ajax would get in trouble, but after missing numerous opportunities, it was Luis Suarez who guided Ajax to the well-deserved victory.

The Uruguayan scored the long expected opener in the 70est minute, 60 seconds after goalie Vorm has blocked the Huntelaar penalty. Suarez won that penalty but was lucky to escape a red card after 5 minutes in the game and thus became the man of the match for Ajax.

Ajax’ win was overly deserved. Van Basten’s team overclassed FC Utrecht with swift pass and move play. The Sons of Gods had more opportunities even than against Roda JC earlier in the week, but again they were not able to find the net. Either Vorm was in the way, or luck and precision abandoned the Amsterdam club.

Suarez and Huntelaar ended the dry spell deep in the second half, although Vertonghen and Enoh were the real drivers. The Belgium midfielder is turning into a real starter and new signing Enoh from Cameroon made clear why Van Basten preferred him over Evander Sno.
When possible, Enoh plays the ball deep immediately, as opposed to Sno’s slow-motion play. And he doesn’t need fouls to win the ball back and plays one touch whenever he is able to.

In the beginning of this century, Ajax had Yakubu from Ghana, who won the hearts of the fans with his razorsharp tackles. Enoh will win the hearts because of his skills and vision. Ajax had another new player in Siem de Jong, who took over from injured Sulejmani, playing as shadowstriker behind Huntelaar.

Marco van Basten: “I highly enjoyed myself. The lads were having fun on the pitch and had clearly learned from the Feyenoord game. We had dozens of chances. The only thing we should improve is that we should score a couple of goals more. Our first goal came in the 70est minute and I think we needed a goal a bit earlier. But all in all, I am satisfied and so were the fans.”

FC Utrecht assistent coach John van Loen dedicated the victory to Eyong Enoh. “I had never ever heard of this chap, but man what a player. Our compliments!”

“Enoh played a fantastic game,” said Van Basten about the Ajax Cape Town signing. “He came a week ago and I am enjoying myself immensely with him.”

Goto Source

Share and Enjoy: