KNVB Cup third round

De Vliert Stadium, Den Bosch

Yang Yang stood on the pitch, his hands hanging loosely by his sides as beads of sweat trickled down his arms and dripped from his fingertips. His labored breathing was a testament to the effort he had put in during the match.

The game had reached the 70-minute mark, yet the score remained locked at 0-0.

Den Bosch, currently level on points with Helmond Sport at the summit of the Eerste Divisie, had proven to be a formidable adversary. Their robust play and tactical discipline were on par with some Eredivisie teams, posing a stern test for Jong Ajax.

Notably, Den Bosch had opted not to field their strongest lineup. The absence of their usual starting left-back, Thijs van der Meulen, a young and powerful defender known for his offensive prowess and precise crossing ability, was a significant strategic decision. Instead, head coach Gert Kruys chose to start the experienced veteran Patrick Peelen, who, at thirty-five, brought a wealth of experience but lacked the stamina and dynamism of his younger teammates. On the bench was the promising 17-year-old Pieter Kuijpers, still waiting for his opportunity to prove himself at the first-team level.

The three left-backs offered distinct attributes: Van der Meulen, tall and physically imposing, excelled at both defending and delivering precise crosses; Peelen, with his seasoned perspective, compensated for his diminished pace with tactical intelligence; and Kuijpers, a budding talent, represented the future but remained untested in high-pressure situations.

Kruys' decision to prioritize their push in the Eerste Divisie over the Dutch Cup was clear. However, despite not deploying his best players, the challenge posed to Ajax was far from trivial. Den Bosch's tactical organization and commitment to the match made them a tough opponent, requiring Jong Ajax to dig deep to find a breakthrough.

It was the first time Yang Yang had felt such intense pressure since joining Ajax. The match against Den Bosch forced him into a passive role, reminiscent of his early days playing amateur football in Almere. It was a strangely familiar yet unsettling experience, as the opposition's physicality and tactical discipline left little room for creativity.

Vermaelen, despite his relative lack of height for a central defender, stood out as an exceptional defensive presence. His precision in ball-playing and adept handling of aerial threats, particularly against the towering Berry Powell, anchored Ajax's defense. Vermaelen had even joked at halftime that his defensive prowess had been honed through countless battles with Ibrahimovic in training.

But the challenges facing Ajax's second string were unprecedented. Yang Yang found himself repeatedly stymied by the veteran Peelen. The seasoned defender's wealth of experience made him difficult to outmaneuver with feints or step-overs. Even when Yang Yang managed to get past him, Peelen's quick recovery and re-engagement made it hard to capitalize on the advantage. This ongoing duel was beginning to wear on Yang Yang, both mentally and physically.

Similarly, Babel on the left and Benson through the center were stifled by Den Bosch's well-organized defense. The midfield duo of Krohn and Maduro struggled to find space or create opportunities, stymied by their opponents' compact shape and relentless pressing. Their inability to effectively transition the ball forward further exacerbated Ajax's attacking woes.

Amidst these difficulties, Vermaelen's consistent defensive work remained a solitary bright spot. His calmness under pressure and timely interventions provided a semblance of stability at the back, helping to keep the scoreline level despite the mounting threats from Den Bosch.

Yang Yang glanced at Peelen, frustration etched on his face. The veteran's resilience and experience were proving to be formidable obstacles. The old man's ability to anticipate moves and recover quickly was an ever-present challenge.

Determined to make a decisive impact, Yang Yang sprinted back to create space and raised his hand to signal for the ball. Noticing the movement, Peelen shifted his focus towards him, momentarily distracted. This slight lapse in concentration was all Yang Yang needed. He quickly positioned himself to receive the ball, intent on capitalizing on the fleeting opportunity to turn the game in Ajax's favor.

...

...

Gert Kruys, at 42, exhibited a calm and collected demeanor on the sidelines, a stark contrast to the intense pressure of the Dutch Cup match against Ajax's second team. Though his playing career had not been particularly distinguished, Kruys had carved out a niche for himself as a coach. His journey began in the summer of 1998 with SC Cambuur, where he adeptly guided the team away from relegation in the Eerste Divisie.

Kruys's tenure with Cambuur saw him fail to secure promotion to the Eredivisie over two seasons, but his knack for stabilizing the team earned him the club's trust. He was subsequently tasked with leading Cambuur to the Eredivisie, a goal he achieved consecutively before being dismissed due to repeated failures.

His next opportunity came with Den Bosch, a team recently relegated from the Eredivisie. The previous season had seen Den Bosch struggle to return to the top flight, but under Kruys's guidance, they had made significant progress. This season, Den Bosch was performing admirably, tied at the top of the Eerste Divisie standings with Helmond Sport, despite having played a game more.

Balancing the Dutch Cup with the league's demands was a challenge for Kruys. His cautious approach in fielding a less-than-optimal lineup against Ajax's second team did not reflect a lack of interest in the competition. In the previous round, he had deployed a strong lineup that secured a 2-1 victory over Eredivisie side Zwolle, propelling Den Bosch to the third round.

As the match progressed, Kruys's initial optimism began to wane. He had underestimated Ajax's reserve team, expecting a straightforward advancement to the fourth round. However, with the scoreline stuck at 0-0 after 70 minutes, Kruys's confidence was tested.

Ajax's Vermaelen had been exceptional in defense, neutralizing the threat posed by Den Bosch's powerful striker, Berry Powell. This effectively halved Den Bosch's attacking potency, with Koen van de Laak and Stefan Jansen failing to pose significant threats.

In attack, Ajax's trio stood out. Left winger Ryan Babel was a well-regarded talent, whose pace and creativity made several counterattacks dangerous. In the middle, Benson showcased his speed and created problems for Den Bosch's defense. Right winger Yang Yang, a promising Chinese player, had shown potential in previous games but struggled against the seasoned Patrick Peelen. Kruys's decision to play Peelen had proven astute, as the veteran's experience and composure managed to stifle Yang Yang's efforts effectively.

Kruys felt that the 0-0 scoreline was favorable to Den Bosch, especially given that Ajax had fielded a relatively inexperienced team. As the match wore on, the Ajax players appeared to tire, their play becoming more disjointed with increased turnovers and a noticeable drop in morale.

According to the Dutch Cup rules, a 0-0 scoreline would result in extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout. Kruys's confidence grew with the prospect of a penalty shootout, believing that his team's experience and mental fortitude would give them the edge in such a scenario. With this in mind, Kruys watched with growing optimism, hopeful that Den Bosch's best chance of advancing might come from the penalty spot.

...

...

"Yang Yang has dropped back," observed John van 't Schip, his eyes following the young winger.

Yang Yang, finding himself under intense pressure, had moved deeper into midfield and received a pass from Krohn. As Peelen closed in, Yang Yang played a long ball to Dwight Tiendalli, Ajax's right back, stationed on the flank.

Tiendalli, just eighteen, had become the primary right-back for the Ajax second team this season. His physical attributes and speed were his strengths, though his technical skills, particularly in crossing, had been a point of concern. Despite additional training, his connection with teammates, including Yang Yang, had not fully improved, leading to Koeman's reluctance to promote him as Trabelsi's backup.

Robb Witzger noted the impact of the situation: "There is no chance up front."

Den Bosch's defensive resilience had been evident throughout the match, effectively stifling Ajax's second team. The relentless pressure made it challenging for Ajax's forwards to maintain possession or mount coordinated attacks. Even Yang Yang, usually a dynamic attacking presence, was being closely marked by the experienced Peelen.

Despite the struggles, Yang Yang had worked diligently, dropping back to help in defensive transitions. His efforts were commendable, but his retreat meant that teammates like Babel and Benson faced increased pressure and fewer opportunities.

"Peelen is still marking him," Van Basten observed, bringing Van 't Schip and Witzger's attention to the ongoing situation.

The trio quickly grasped Van Basten's insight. Peelen's persistent marking of Yang Yang indicated a recognition of the winger's potential threat. The veteran defender's cautious approach showed that Yang Yang's presence on the field was significant enough to warrant constant vigilance.

"Peelen is thirty-five," Van Basten mused aloud. "Both teams have one substitution left. Do you think Kruys will take him off?"

The question sparked a realization. Den Bosch had 17-year-old Pieter Kuijpers on the bench, a promising but untested talent. If Kruys chose to replace Peelen with Kuijpers, it might open up more opportunities for Yang Yang. Conversely, if Peelen remained, Yang Yang's efforts to tire the veteran might pay off in the latter stages of the match.

Yang Yang's tactical retreat seemed aimed at extending his influence and engaging Peelen in a war of attrition. This strategy, though risky, could potentially create openings if Peelen's stamina waned.

Van Basten recognized the crucial nature of the moment. If Yang Yang could shake off Peelen and exploit any emerging spaces, Ajax had a chance to break the deadlock. With a clap of his hands, Van Basten made a decisive call: "We'll hold off on the last substitution."

The Ajax coach opted to delay his final substitution, betting that the game might stretch into extra time. By conserving his substitution, Van Basten aimed to make a late tactical adjustment, giving Yang Yang the chance to capitalize on Peelen's fatigue and potentially create a game-changing opportunity for Ajax.

...

...

Yang Yang's chest heaved as he gulped air, desperately trying to replenish his oxygen-starved muscles. The match had dragged on for eighty minutes, but the scoreboard remained stubbornly locked at 0-0. Ajax's second string had struggled to mount a credible attacking threat, their youthful inexperience and physical limitations exposed by an experienced Den Bosch side.

From the sidelines, Van Basten's voice pierced the dense atmosphere, urging his players to persevere. "Come on, everybody! Keep pushing, we're still in it!"

Yang Yang glanced over at his childhood idol, wanting to smile in response, but the salt from his sweat stung his eyes. He wiped his brow, throwing droplets onto the grass, and returned his focus to the game.

Since the 70th minute, Yang Yang had consciously adjusted his style of play, eschewing explosive sprints in favor of a more measured pace. It was a tactic he'd learned from John van 't Schip: conserve energy, slow down. As tired as he felt, he knew that Peelen, the 35-year-old veteran marking him, must feel it even more.

"There's always a chance," he reminded himself, clinging to a shred of optimism.

Fatigue was the great equalizer, eating away at the stamina of both teams. The younger, less experienced Ajax players were visibly fading, their pace slowing. Krohn in particular, known more for his technical ability and passing than his physical endurance, struggled to keep up. Nevertheless, he continued to push forward, embodying the team's tenacity.

Both sides still had a substitution available, but neither coach showed any inclination to use it. It was clear that they intended to play out the regulation time with the current lineup, gambling on the possibility of overtime or penalties.

Yang Yang, determined not to be outplayed by a player nearly twice his age, steeled himself for a final push. He knew that Peelen was just as exhausted, if not more so. *I won't let a 35-year-old outlast me,* he thought, gritting his teeth.

With a deep breath, Yang Yang made his move and darted into the open space. His legs felt heavy, but his determination was unyielding. This could be the moment to break the deadlock, to seize the opportunity he'd been waiting for. As he sprinted forward, he knew he had to trust his instincts and give it everything he had left.

Despite his age and fatigue, Patrick Peelen was acutely aware of the danger Yang Yang posed. He had seen the young winger's explosive bursts and knew that giving him even an inch of space could be disastrous. Den Bosch had dominated the game, pinning Ajax's second string back and keeping the pressure on. But that advantage came with a risk: any lapse in defense could leave them exposed.

Peelen had shadowed Yang Yang closely, wary of his speed and agility. A few times he'd struggled to keep up, but he had managed to recover and prevent any significant damage. Now, as Yang Yang made his move, Peelen felt his legs protest. The relentless back and forth of the match, especially after the seventy-fifth minute, had sapped his energy reserves.

*This kid is relentless,* Peelen thought, feeling the burn in his muscles intensify with each stride. The veteran defender knew that if he couldn't keep up, Yang Yang would exploit the space behind him, creating a golden opportunity for Ajax to break the deadlock. The stakes were high, and Peelen couldn't afford to make a mistake.

From the sideline, Gert Kruys seemed content to stick with his current formation, showing no signs of making a substitution. Peelen glanced over, silently hoping for a fresh pair of legs to replace him. But the call never came.

With no other option, Peelen gritted his teeth and dug deep, pushing his body to the limit. He knew he had to keep Yang Yang at bay, no matter what the cost. As fatigue clawed at him, Peelen focused on the only thing that mattered: staying close enough to keep Yang Yang from finding that dangerous space. It was a battle of wills, and Peelen was determined to give it his all, refusing to let his team down at this crucial juncture.

...

...

In the tense atmosphere of the match, the clock continued to tick down. Ajax and Den Bosch remained locked in a stalemate, with the action on the pitch mirroring the anxiety of the fans in the stands. The game had been largely uneventful, with neither side able to break the deadlock or create any significant excitement.

Den Bosch attempted another attack, throwing the ball into the Jong Ajax box toward Berry Powell. However, Thomas Vermaelen, experienced in dealing with high-profile strikers like Zlatan Ibrahimović, anticipated the move. He skillfully rounded Powell and cleared the ball with a confident header. The ball bounced toward midfield, where Hedwiges Maduro quickly flicked it upfield.

Krohn, always the reliable playmaker, controlled the ball with ease, his touch fluid as if the ball were glued to his foot. Spotting Yang Yang's sprint forward, he deftly sent a diagonal pass into his path. Yang Yang, who had just dropped back to help with the defense, surged forward with renewed vigor, signaling his intent to Krohn.

As Yang Yang charged down the wing, Patrick Peelen, Den Bosch's veteran left back, recognized the impending danger. He reacted quickly, trying to close down the young winger. But Yang Yang had anticipated this. With a quick flick, he sent the ball past Peelen, exploiting the space behind the defense.

Peelen struggled to stop Yang Yang's progress, but the young winger's agility and burst of speed left the veteran gasping for air. Yang Yang accelerated, chasing the ball with a determination that belied the fatigue of the previous eighty-plus minutes.

Peelen, left behind, could only watch as Yang Yang sprinted away. The realization that the youngster still had more left in the tank than he had expected hit him as he saw the back of Yang Yang's jersey fading into the distance.

The tension in the stadium was palpable as Yang Yang sprinted down the field, his eyes scanning the play with his "God Vision." The previously subdued crowd erupted in excitement, sensing a potential game-changing moment. The Den Bosch defense scrambled to recover, with their left center defender angling to force Yang Yang out of the dangerous central area.

Yang Yang approached the edge of the penalty area, his eyes scanning the field. The tension in the stadium was palpable, and the clock seemed to slow as he weighed his options. With no immediate support from Fred Benson or Ryan Babel, Yang Yang was left to create an opportunity on his own.

As he neared the penalty area, the Den Bosch left central defender closed in on him, with Patrick Peelen trailing behind. This was a crucial moment—if the defenders could hold him off for just a few more seconds, they could potentially regain control.

Yang Yang decided to make a decisive move. With a swift stop, he feinted to cut inside as if preparing to shoot. The defender, reacting to the feint, shifted his weight. But Yang Yang had anticipated this response. He changed direction sharply, pushing the ball toward the sideline. The defender, momentarily off balance, scrambled to regain his position.

Peelen, despite his best efforts, was still trailing, unable to close the gap. Yang Yang, feeling the exhaustion in his legs, knew he had limited time to act. With a quick glance at the goal and the defenders, he opted to deliver a cross. The ball was deflected off a Den Bosch defender, granting Ajax a crucial corner kick.

As the players jostled for position, Van Basten shouted instructions from the touchline, clearly frustrated that Benson and Babel had not arrived sooner. Nevertheless, Van Basten's faith in his young players remained strong. Krohn, who was visibly exhausted, handed over the corner kick duties to Yang Yang, confident in his ability to deliver.

Yang Yang placed the ball at the corner spot and took a few steps back to massage his tired calves. In the box, Ajax's tallest players—Lindgren, Maduro, Babel—prepared for the delivery. Their presence stirred the Den Bosch defenders, who were trying to organize themselves.

A brief scuffle erupted as a Den Bosch defender grabbed Lindgren, leading to protests and the referee's intervention. After a moment, the players were separated, and the referee blew his whistle to resume play. Yang Yang glanced at his teammates and saw Vermaelen raise his arm—a signal for the pre-planned move.

As the referee's whistle blew, Yang Yang took his familiar stride and struck the ball cleanly. The cross curled gracefully around the crowded front post and towards the far post. The Den Bosch defenders, momentarily distracted by the Ajax players surging forward, failed to notice the lone figure slipping into space at the back.

Vermaelen, who had cleverly evaded Peelen's marker, timed his run impeccably. As the ball arced towards him, he leapt into the air with perfect timing. Meeting the ball with a powerful header, he directed it towards the goal. The Den Bosch goalkeeper, reacting too late, dove desperately but could only watch as the ball sailed into the net.

The stadium erupted in jubilation. Elated, Vermaelen sprinted towards Yang Yang, who had delivered the precise corner. The Belgian defender lifted his teammate in a bear hug and planted a celebratory kiss on Yang Yang's forehead. The players were ecstatic, reveling in the moment. This marked the third time Yang Yang had assisted Vermaelen from a corner, a testament to their growing synergy on the pitch.

Amidst the celebrations, Van Basten's voice boomed from the touchline, urging his team to stay focused. With a slim lead and time still on the clock, Den Bosch was expected to push hard for an equalizer. For now, the team savored the joy of their well-deserved lead, their hard work and perseverance paying off in the most gratifying way.

As the celebrations continued, an elated Vermaelen joked with Yang Yang, "You almost cost us the goal with that lazy ball! If I hadn't been so sharp, we'd have been out of luck."

Yang Yang shot back with a grin, "Lazy ball? I set it up perfectly! You'd be wasting my brilliant assist if you hadn't been there."

Their playful banter was drowned out by the thunderous cheers of the fans. Teammates swarmed around them, caught up in the excitement of the decisive goal. The clock showed the eighty-fourth minute, and the timing of the goal could not have been better. To score so late in the game was a major blow to Den Bosch, and the Ajax coaching staff was ecstatic. Van Basten, overwhelmed with joy, hugged his assistants and shouted praise at Yang Yang and Vermaelen.

On the opposite side of the pitch, Den Bosch coach Gert Kruys was visibly frustrated. He quickly decided to make a tactical change and signaled for a substitution. Veteran defender Peelen was withdrawn to make way for an extra striker, a clear indication that Den Bosch intended to go all out in the remaining minutes. With about ten minutes left, including stoppage time, they were desperate to salvage a result.

The atmosphere was charged. Jong Ajax's slim lead had to be defended against Den Bosch, now pressing intensely. The young Ajax side knew they faced an onslaught but, buoyed by their latest goal, were determined to hold firm. The stage was set for a thrilling finish, with both teams primed for a final push.