Doubt struck AZ’s game. The Alkmaarders therefore had a very difficult time against PEC Zwolle for a large part of the match. Partly thanks to a questionable goal from Sven Mijnans, the next round of the cup was secured. “We have regrouped,” says Peer Koopmeiners.
Although the Alkmaarders started the match well, the team’s dominance quickly ebbed away. According to coach Maarten Martens, doubts set in during the game. “You don’t like to see that,” says the trainer. “You see that players don’t get into position quickly enough and want the ball.”
Text continues below the video.
“A small tactical change in putting pressure” made the difference after the break, according to Koopmeiners. Ultimately, the Alkmaarders completely turned the game around after the break. Sven Mijnans rounded off after a good combination and in the final phase he headed his team into the lead, bordering offside. Substitute Ibrahim Sadiq gave his team the victory with a nice bang.
The draw for the next round of the KNVB Cup will not take place for another two weeks. The remaining matches will then also be completed in the second round of the cup.