AZ had to play against FC Volendam for more than 75 minutes with ten men after a red card for Dani de Wit. Despite this, AZ only got into trouble little by little. “Eventually won on character,” said Beukema
AZ had to concede a goal from Henk Veerman shortly after the break, but otherwise AZ goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst had little to do. “It was a pity that he was already in it after three minutes in the second half. But we remained compact, did not walk back and kept a high line. Volendam did bring in a few balls, but they were often too hard and they could start again. That way we kept up well,” said a delighted Beukema.
AZ coach Pascal Jansen handed out the compliments to his team. “We especially wanted to continue to dominate the axis and push Volendam to the outside. Then you know that they come with crosses, but they did not become dangerous. We defend well, except for the goal. That goal fell quickly and that is why we had to up the gears,” says Jansen.