AZ, Ajax, PSV and the bizarre denouement of a soccer season
NOS Soccer–
Of course, it was quite exciting that final round of play in the premier league last weekend. For a long time it remained uncertain what the final scores of PSV, Ajax and AZ would be. But these were crumbs, very tasty ones admittedly, but the title, for example, had already been given to and even celebrated by Feyenoord.
How different it is on April 29, 2007. That day too, the aforementioned trio plays the leading role, but this time with the main prize at stake: the national championship. AZ, Ajax and PSV share the lead with 72 points from 33 games, but based on goal difference – +53, +47 and +46 respectively – in that order.
In “AZ, Ajax, PSV and the bizarre denouement of a soccer season,” the first of six new installments of Other Times Sports (tonight, 9:55 p.m., NPO 1), looks back on that final day of play that has earned a place in many people’s memories.
Waiting Room
The starting position for the Alkmaar players looks riant, with a visit to Excelsior ahead of them. The number sixteen of the league, which is condemned to play the second division, should be no match for the Louis van Gaal-led AZ, is the general opinion. Hence why the original championship trophy has been transported to Stadion Woudestein.
But the hope in Amsterdam is not gone yet. Witness the tough language of coach Henk ten Cate after round 33: “I still very much have the feeling that next week we will stand with that bowl in Tilburg.” Because that is where it has to happen for Ajax, away at low-flyer Willem II.
Moreover, to give fate a helping hand, the Ajax players will hand over their victory bonus to the Excelsior colleagues if they manage to beat AZ, so the story goes. A motivation bonus, actually. When asked, Excelsior striker Andy Slory initially keeps a smile. “What do you want to know about it?”
PSV, where Ronald Koeman swings the scepter, is even more emphatically in the waiting room. After the disappointing 1-1 at FC Utrecht a week earlier, young Ibrahim Afellay gives his team, which must play at home against Vitesse, only a one percent chance of winning the title, he recalls anno 2023. “No chance. But actually also again. Koeman still firmly believed in it and he also conveyed that to the group of players.”
Best listened to Langs de Lijn
It will be a memorable afternoon of soccer. For the fans in the stadiums, but certainly also for the soccer fans glued to the radio. After all, the matches cannot be seen live on TV anywhere, and apps with intermediate scores and social media are not yet commonplace. The three million listeners make for the best-listening Along the Line-broadcast ever.
-
Pro Shots
Ajax coach Henk ten Cate -
Pro Shots
Goal scorer Philip Cocu (left) with his PSV teammate Patrick Kluivert
They are treated to just under two hours of switching from one pitch to another. Developments follow one another in rapid succession, complete with missed chances, red cards and, of course, goals. Lots of goals.
With the help of radio reporters Evert ten Napel (“I was sitting there in my shorts, it was close to 30 degrees”), Andy Houtkamp (“I had pain in my head afterwards from the tension”) and Bas Ticheler (“One of the highlights of my career at NOS”) ATS back to April 29, 2007 .
PSV midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, AZ reserve goalkeeper Khalid Sinouh and Martin van Geel, technical director at Ajax at the time, also speak about the day that each of them will never forget. But only one of them does so with a broad smile: “There is no such thing as unique. I am very proud and happy that I was able to experience this.”
Preview an excerpt from tonight’s episode here:
