Ajax are safely through to the second round of the KNVB Cup after a 5-0 win over Willem II which will not only be remembered as the first game to use a video referee but also for the debuts of Matthijs de Ligt and Abdelhak Nouri.
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The KNVB have been pushing for the introduction of video assistance for referee’s for years and Wednesday’s game became the first trial using the technology, with Pol van Boekel assisting Danny Makkelie from a van outside.
Ajax boss Peter Bosz decided to ring the changes for the cup tie with Riechedly Bazoer, Kenny Tete and Daley Sinkgraven among those who came into the starting line-up, alongside 17-year-old centre back Matthijs de Ligt, who made his debut. The changes proved effective with Bazoer firing in the opener from the edge of the box after only 13 minutes before De Ligt netted his first goal for the club with a header from Hakim Ziyech’s corner to make it 2-0 at the break.
Just before the hour mark, the video referee was brought into use for the first time with van Boekel indicating that Anouar Kali should be shown a red card for a strong challenge on Lasse Schone, with Makkelie originally opting for a yellow.
With the man advantage, Ajax cruised to victory with Hakim Ziyech adding the third goal after a swift counter attack before Lasse Schone found the net with a lovely free kick from the edge of the box. Much to the delight of the crowd young midfielder Abdelhak Nouri was given his first taste of action from the bench late on and the wonder-kid capped off the game with an excellent free kick into the bottom corner to seal an emphatic victory.
Bosz will be delighted with the performances of his players, but especially Daley Sinkgraven who was awarded man of the match after an excellent performance at left back. The young midfielder could now be utalised in his new role more often.
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