Feyenoord have lifted the KNVB Cup after a 2-1 win over Utrecht in De Kuip on Sunday.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
In their own stadium, Feyenoord dominated the first half as they went in search of their first cup win in eight seasons. The first chance fell to Michiel Kramer after a terrible back-pass from Mark van der Maarel, but with only Felipe Bednarek to beat the striker lifted his shot wide. Dirk Kuyt also saw a shot in the box blocked, and another strike comfortably claimed by Bednarek.
Finally, after 42 minutes the pressure told as Rick Karsdorp faked to shoot outside the box before setting Kuyt free on the right wing. The veteran lifted his cross to the back post and Kramer directed his header into the bottom corner past the despairing hand of Bednarek.
Utrecht improved after the break and on 50 minutes they netted an equaliser through Ramon Leeuwin who fired low into the net after Feyenoord failed to clear a free-kick.
However, it was to be Feyenoords day as Eljero Elia cut in from the left-hand side on 72 minutes before striking a shot against the post and into the net via a deflection off of Bednarek. The own goal summed up a rather terrible match for Bednarek, who should have done better with both Feyenoord’s goals.
Utrecht pushed for an equaliser, but the final big chance of the game fell to Feyenoord as Elia raced through on goal, but the winger sent his shot just wide. The miss didn’t matter as Feyenoord held on to claim their first KNVB Cup in eight years and cement their place in the Europa League next season.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
