Dutch Eredivisie Football 2012-2013 - First Round Results and Review

Willem II – NAC Breda 1-1

The season opened with a regional derby between 2 archrivals.

Willem II, promoted from the Jupiler league, played very well against NAC Breda. Jens Podevijn gave Willem II the lead in the 79th minute, after good work from Virgil Misidjan.

They were very close to a surprise, but NAC-striker Anthony Lurling scored the equalizer in the last minutes of the game with a nice goal.

RKC Waalwijk – PSV 3-2

Perhaps the biggest surprise this weekend came from RKC Waalwijk – PSV.
RKC was able to repeat the trick they pulled last year and won the game against the top-favorite for the championship. PSV did open the score in the 8^th minute with a goal by Jeremain Lens. But only 4 minutes later, PSV-defender Bouma appeared very unlucky as he scored an own goal.

With the score being tied, Rodney Sneijder stepped up and produced the 2-1 and 3-1, scoring a few minutes before and after halftime.

On the other side Tim Matavz gave PSV some hope, scoring a nice header. But in the end, it wasn’t enough.

Roda JC – PEC Zwolle 1-1

Within 7 minutes PEC Zwolle showed they are back in the Eredivisie.  Joost Broerse put 0-1 on the scoreboard against Roda JC after a well taken corner kick. Zwolle had the better part of the game, but failed to score more.

After about an hour Roda finally produced a good attack, resulting in striker Malki scoring the equalizer.

Heracles Almelo – VVV-Venlo 1-1

Heracles Almelo dominated the first half against VVV-Venlo, but only scored ones. After 14 minutes Everton put his team in front, scoring the 500^th goal Heracles scored in the Eredivisie.

As a total surprise to all witnessing the game, VVV scored 1-1 right before halftime.

In the 2^nd half both teams had the chance to win the game, but the score didn’t change.

Ajaz – AZ 2-2

Dutch International Gregory van der Wiel opened the score in the 8^th minute, with a beautiful shot from just outside the box. Ajax remained the better team after the goal, but couldn’t really create big chances.

AZ didn’t create any chance in the first half, but how different in the 2^nd one. Within 4 minutes they turned the score from 1-0 to 1-2 in their favor. American International Jozy Altidore displayed his great value as striker for the Alkmaar-side, scoring both goals.

The remainder of the game there were shots at both goals and big opportunities for both sides. But only Ajax’ striker Sigthorsson was able to find the back of the net in the 83^rd minute.

FC Utrecht – Feyenoord 0-1

Feyenoord probably will be happy with their win against FC Utrecht, but won’t be happy about the amount of missed chances. Utrecht worked hard throughout the whole match and had a couple of opportunities to take the lead in the first half. But Feyenoord was the better team and won the game by a goal from Ivorian striker Cisse.

Luckily for Utrecht, their best man was newly acquired goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter with some terrific saves.

SC Heerenveen – NEC 0-2

SC Heerenveen appointed Marco van Basten as new coach and saw his debut end in a loss. NEC was slightly better and that resulted in their 2 goal-victory, both scored in the first half.

Both Melvin Platje and Pavel Cvoms could score with a header.

Vitesse – ADO Den Haag 2-2

The match started a bit slow, with little action on either side.

We had to wait till the 2^nd half to see some fireworks. First it was ADO-player Chery with a fabulous shot from about 35 meters. In an instant reaction, right from the kickoff, Vitesse attacked and scored the 1-1. Wilfried Boni was the final station.

But 3 minutes later ADO took the lead again. Danny Holla was totally unmarked and scored.

It took about 15 minutes, but Vitesse managed to equal the score. Jonathan Reis scored a great shot from a free kick.    

FC Twente – FC Groningen 4-1

FC Twente’s new signing Dusan Tadic became Man of the Match in the game against FC Groningen. He produced 2 goals and 2 assists, being sold last summer by Groningen for 7.5 million.

After 30 minutes Nacer Chadli was able to score 1-0 and only 3 minutes later Twente’s 2^nd goal was in.

FC Twente was superior throughout the whole match, enabling both Chadli and Tadic to score their second goal of the day.

In minute 83 Leandro Bacuna scored the final goal, so Groningen went home with a 4-1 defeat.

4^th time in a row Twente scored 4 goals at home against Groningen.