Amateur’s VVSB gave Utrecht a good fight in the KNVB Cup semi-final but the Eredivisie side eventually ran out 3-0 winners to book their place in the final.
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Utrecht were widely expected to comfortably beat VVSB in front of their own crowd, and starting with both Ruud Boymans and Sebastien Haller up front, the goals were expected to rain in.
However, VVSB held their own in the first half to frustrate the hosts, with goalkeeper Ruben Falco keeping out a wasteful Utrecht. Haller headed a Mark van der Maarel cross wide, and Boymans was also off target as Utrecht struggled to make a breakthrough.
Eventually after 73 minutes Utrecht broke the deadlock in fortunate fashion, with van der Maarel’s shot deflecting off Van der Slot and beating Falco. A minute later it was 2-0 when Haller was found in the box, and the Frenchman calmly turned and slotted into the net.
Utrecht then ensured their first KNVB Cup final appearance since 2004 in injury time as Patrick Joosten added a third. Erik ten Haag’s side now await the winner of Thursday’s other semi-final between Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar.
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