The final of the KNVB Beker takes place this Sunday, as Feyenoord and AZ attempt to win the Dutch Cup.
- by Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
When?
Sunday, 22nd April
Kick off: 6pm (CET), 5pm (BST & UK)
Where?
De Kuip, Rotterdam
Betting Odds
Feyenoord: 57/50
AZ: 21/10
Preview
This’ll be a match with plenty of passion and excitement as both of these Eredivisie high-fliers look to end their campaign on a high. Feyenoord were league champions last season, but currently sit fourth in the table after an indifferent year full of injuries and poor performances. AZ, meanwhile, are third following an impressive season full of goals and attractive football.
Which way will this game go? Very hard to call, but Feyenoord are the side in better form recently. The defence has largely found its rhythm again after injuries disrupting consistency, plus the forwards have found their scoring boots again, including last season’s top goal-scorer Nicolai Jorgensen – the league’s best striker when in form.
On the other hand, AZ have been consistently winning games throughout the season and have developed a wonderful team spirit. The team contains very technical midfielders and attack-oriented wing-backs who provide for the tall Wout Weghorst. Alireza Jahanbakhsh is the side’s best quality player – a terrific winger who can create or score a goal from nothing. Many have already complemented AZ’s exciting football this season, which is down to the hard-work of manager John van den Brom.
The Alkmaar outfit have struggled though against the Netherlands’ biggest teams. AZ have lost every match they have played against Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord so far this season. It’s almost as though these teams have found a way to play against AZ and exploit their weaknesses which include the side’s frailty in defence. Should teams bypass the fluid midfield and wing-backs, there is little cover left in behind to cut out counter-attacking moves.
PSV 3-2 AZ
AZ 0-4 Feyenoord
AZ 1-2 Ajax
Feyenoord 2-1 AZ
AZ 2-3 PSV
Feyenoord recently went on a training camp in Spain to refresh the players ahead of their big final, which would arguably save their season. The form coming into this match reads a team that is gaining focus and realises the importance of winning this trophy.
Prediction
As a prediction, I’d have to back Feyenoord (despite having a bias for AZ). The team is more focussed coming into this game and AZ’s record against the toughest sides in the country suggests they do not currently have a way to beat them. The 5-3-2 that van den Brom tried against PSV worked for 60 minutes as they went two goals up, but they could not stop the flow of attacks that saw them lose 2-3. Finally, the edge playing at De Kuip may help Feyenoord feel more at home on the biggest stage – they are a team containing more winners that have experience. AZ are still learning. 2-0 – Feyenoord to win the cup.
Follow
Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
