matchreport - 06-Feb-10 - swiss v. hollandse
Team Hollandse
Author Partick Pieket Weeserik
line up
Lim, Vd Merwe, Busser, Aarnoudse (Flierman), Rave, Huisman, Jansma, Holthuizen, Mensen, Schuilwerve, El Hamdoui (Pieket Weeserik) 
Dutch proceed to semis
After last week's ear-washing against Casuals for the regular competition, it was time to take on the Swiss for the Plate. 

The pitch was in excellent condition after three weeks without rain and due to a thick overcast the temperature was more than bearable. The Dutch kicked-off and immediately showed that they were in for a surprise this afternoon. The passing was accurate, duels by air and ground were won and it didn't take long before the Orange Lions were in the lead. It was through a perfect Beckhamian cross delivered by Ard to the foot of Martijn at the near post: 1-0. This goal woke up the Swiss and the game turned into a more balanced one. Though the majority of the play took place on midfield, there were some chances back and forth and the Swiss were the first to convert such chance leveling the score: 1-1. 

However, the equalizer was the sign for the Dutch to shift up a small tooth higher and the improved level of play resulted in three more orange-colored goals. Two of those were bagged by Martijn, completing his second hattrick in the same number of matches, while the third one was scored by youngster Daniel, impressing with great technical skill. Half time came with the Dutch leading by 4-1. 

The psychology of football tells us that the team leading the game often ends up being under pressure by the team that's chasing for the come-back. The second half was no exception as the Swiss took control over the match and succeeded in creating quite a few semi-chances (corners, long shots ending up on the cross-bar) and a handful of full chances (missed penalty, shot from close by deflected off the post). Nonetheless, the Dutch were also managed to create a handful good opportunities through razor-sharp countering, but were slightly unlucky in the finishing. 

The only goal in the second half was a well-deserved one for the Swiss. One of their numerous corners was finally converted by a header, but in the end turned out to be no more than just a statistic. A good match, and one in which we showed to be able to be clinical in our finishing. Man of the Match could have been Martijn, however, for someone with his capabilities it takes more than just a hattrick to become Man of the Match. Instead, it will be Stephan, making his comeback after a nasty injury, but demonstrating his Coerver moves like he has never been away.

Thanks to the Swiss for playing a good game. Next hurdle on the way to winning the Plate will be Rangers. 
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