Hello everyone and welcome back to my Ajax update.
We were finally back in action after another international break and had a home game against NAC Breda. Our early assault on the visitor’s goal paid off after only 10 minutes when De Zeeuw found Pantelic in the box and he controlled the pass beautifully and swept the ball into the net. Further pressure failed to paid off though my young Korean striker Suk had a couple of good chances. Nac Breda came close only once but Steklenberg between the sticks was more than man enough for the job. Not a memorable game but another three points acquired.
The following game was a trip to Norway to face Rosenborg in the Euro Cup. The home side took the lead just after the half our when a seemingly half hearted cross was dropped by Stekenlenberg onto the foot of Dahlgren for the easiest goal he will ever score. It was a frustrating evening for us as nothing was going right in the final third of the pitch and when all looked lost Gabri was brought down in the box and Lodeiro slotted home the penalty kick three minutes from time. I was going to be happy with a draw but once again Suarez produced a bit of magic by intercepting a Rosenborg clearance, beating two defenders and firing home the winner. A lucky win for sure.
Next up was an away game in the Dutch Cup 2nd Round to non league side Zwaluwen. I changed a few my starting eleven players but nothing too drastic as that can back fire in cup competitions. We opened the scoring inside 10 minutes when my Korean striker Suk went on a lovely little run from midfield and placed the ball into the corner of the net. Zwaluwen were not to be deterred by the early set back and kept us on the back foot for most of the first half forcing me to make a tactical change at half time. We came out looking much stronger with Pantelic doubling the lead with a glancing header from a Nacer Barazite cross. Pantellic would get his second 5 minutes from time with a well placed shot set up by Suarez who came on for Suk. We were through to the next round where we will meet Go Ahead.
The final game of the month was back in Amsterdam against Den Haag. Marko Pantelic gave us an early lead having been left totally unmarked in the box from a quickly taken free kick by Lodeiro. Suarez made it two some twenty minutes later by firing in a spectacular volley from an Eduardo cross. An own goal from a corner made it three but just before the half time whistle Eduardo produced a well placed pass into the path of De Zeeuw who unleashed a 25 yard pile-driver that flew into the back of the net. After the interval Pantelic got his second of the game heading in from an Eduardo cross who was having a marvelous match and it was Eduardo again who was instrumental in completing the rout spotting defender Oleguer unmarked at the edge of the box from a corner kick and he neatly placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net for goal number six.
So we went through the month unbeaten and only conceded one goal albeit a sloppy one at that. In the league we are in second place but have a game in hand.
Current League Standings:
Results at a glance…
Next month we have far more games including two Euro Cup matches with a difficult away tie against Lazio.
Well that’s all for now and thanks for reading.
Lye
23 марта, 2010 at 19:02
Hi Kevin nice job there. You have maintain the good form and Suarez has started scoring frequently. Next month away fixture to Lazio will be critical, if you can get a good result over there then i have no doubt you will finish first in your group.
Kevin
23 марта, 2010 at 20:09
Hey Lye
Yes the Lazio game is the «big one» for next month and thanks for your comments too.
Laxeyman
23 марта, 2010 at 20:34
Hi Kevin, well done a very good month there. I think that if you win the game in hand you can go on from there and open up a big lead. The Lazio game will be tough, at least Suarez has started scorng so you have got a good chance.
ravenie
23 марта, 2010 at 20:51
Well done Kevin really good results and a positive performance against ADH. I’m sure your Ajax side will be able to challenge for the title, Lazio is a big game and I’m sure you have enough quality in your side to usurp them.
Sears
23 марта, 2010 at 22:11
Well done… Great start to your Akax career.I believe P.s.v will be your main title challenger’s even though there quite a bit behind you.Az could me tricky to… I wish you luck!
Majk
24 марта, 2010 at 00:40
You have really good commentary skills. It’s enjoyable to just read about each game and how to goals came about.
Your skills in FM aren’t to shabby neither, guiding Ajax through the euro cup and to a good run in the Eredivisie. Keep up the good work!
Pingback: Ajax: September 2009 | My Football Manager Story « 技術者派遣の技術日誌ブログ
Kevin
24 марта, 2010 at 10:32
Laxeyman: Thanks. i’m glad that Suarez is starting to show up. He’s not prolific bu any means but does produce moments of magic.
Ravenie: The results are pleasing.I haven’t checked out Lazio yet so i’m hoping my team has got what it takes.
Sears: Yes, PSZ and AZ are the other contenders it seems.
Majk: Thanks for your kind words about my writing skills.I jsu try to keep it short and sweet. I’m not too sure about my FM skills, think I’m just lucky right now :) Thanks though.
Johnny Karp
27 марта, 2010 at 21:20
Well done Kevin, the team looks like it’s starting to get some confidence. Lazio are dangerous on counter attacks, like any Italian team for that matter, and they also have a very good keeper in Uruguayan Fernando Muslera. He isn’t very good with handling crosses though, a tall striker could beat him to the ball easily (at least that’s how things are in my game). Good luck!