It’s make or break tonight. AZ can qualify for the semi-finals of the KNVB Cup at the expense of Feyenoord. Kick-off takes place in the Rotterdam Kuip at 9 p.m. NH Sport starts at 7 p.m. with an extra radio broadcast, so that you don’t miss anything from this crucial match.
In the previous rounds, AZ successively eliminated the amateurs HHC Hardenberg and Quick Boys out. The Alkmaarders needed extra time for this in both matches. Feyenoord defeated FC Utrecht (2-1) and PSV (1-0) in their own stadium.
Interestingly enough, AZ and Feyenoord faced each other in a competition last Sunday in Alkmaar. Admittedly Feyenoord won 1-0, but AZ left a more than good impression. As a result, confidence has grown that a good result in the cup is achievable.
No Pavlidis
Denso Kasius and top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis are missing at AZ: they are suspended. This is offset by the return of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and right back Yukinari Sugawara. The Australian and Japanese have just returned from the Asian Cup. Trainer Maarten Martens did not want to reveal yesterday whether both internationals will start in De Kuip tonight. Feyenoord’s first goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is missing due to a fibula injury. He is replaced by Timo Wellenreuther.
Text continues below the video with Maarten Martens.
Edward Dekker and Erik-Jan Brinkman will provide the warm-up from Rotterdam at 7 p.m. They will keep you updated with atmospheric impressions and the latest news. When the ball starts rolling at 9 p.m., you will hear the full match report. If the final score is equal after ninety minutes, extra time will follow and possibly penalties.
Soap FC Volendam
In the meantime, the arbitration case that FC Volendam has initiated against former coaches Wim Jonk and Matthias Kohler will take place in Zeist tonight. There are accusations on both sides about breach of contract and the financial damage suffered as a result. It is a new chapter in the soap opera at FC Volendam, in which the board led by chairman Jan Smit had to leave with a lot of commotion. Menno Schilder reports from the Zeisterbossen.
Quarter-final matches:
NEC – ADO The Hague 3-0
SC Cambuur – Vitesse (6.45 pm)
Feyenoord – AZ (9 p.m.)
FC Groningen – Fortuna Sittard (Thursday 8 p.m.)
The semi-finals are February 27, 28 or 29. The final in De Kuip is Sunday April 21.