Narrow escape AZ in Waalwijk

Published on 18 september 11, 00:00

From the first minute of the match AZ lacked sharpness despite the knowledge that a large win could bring the lead in the Dutch league. The home team was most dangerous when AZ goalkeeper Esteban had to save on a Geoffrey Castillion chip and AZ was saved when Rick ten Voorde hit the post.

Penalty

Nonetheless it was AZ that took the lead. Guy Ramos fouled Pontus Wernbloom in the penalty area and Elm converted his third penalty in a row. On the edge of halftime RKC Waalwijk answered. Wernbloom lost the ball and Castillion fired home the equalizer behind Esteban.

Carelessness

The match did not improve after the break. RKC Waalwijk tried to force something but it was a moment’s carelessness that paved the way for AZ. Ramos completed his unlucky match by completely missing the ball and giving substitute Benschop the opportunity to score the winning goal against his former club.

Goal difference

In the final phase of the match AZ did not get into much more trouble. AZ share the same amount of points with leader FC Twente but take the second place in the Eredivisie on goal difference.

MATCH STATISTICS:

RKC Waalwijk – AZ 1–2 (1-1)
 
Lineup RKC Waalwijk: Jeroen Zoet; Sigourney Bandjar, Henrico Drost, Guy Ramos (79. Roald van Hout), Ard van Peppen; Adil Auassar, Evander Sno, Robert Braber, Aaron Meijers (80. Furkan Alakmak); Rick ten Voorde, Geoffrey Castillion.
Lineup AZ: Esteban; Dirk Marcellis, Niklas Moisander, Nick Viergever, Simon Poulsen; Pontus Wernbloom, Rasmus Elm, Adam Maher; Roy Beerens (68. Johann Berg Gudmundsson), Jozy Altidore (58. Charlison Benschop), Brett Holman.

Goals: 10. Elm (pen.) 0-1, 45. Castillion 1-1, 65. Benschop 1-2.
Bookings: Elm, Marcellis, Wernbloom, Esteban (AZ), Castillion (RKC Waalwijk).
Sent-off:
Referee: R. Liesveld.
Attendance: 6.316