Ajax start season with trophy
Amsterdam, 11 aug 2007
Ajax have started the season with a trophy: the Johan Cruijff Shield. The Cup winners defeated champions PSV in Amsterdam. Gabri's goal decided the match: 1-0.
The Spanish marathon man was successful shortly before the end of the first half, when he capped off an attack initiated by Dennis Rommedahl and Klaas Jan Huntelaar by striking from close range.
Although the level of the match dropped after the first fifteen matches, Ajax were the better team throughout. The home side had the best chances. Goalkeeper Gomes denied Huntelaar twice in the second half and Rommedahl hit the post.
,,It was not a good match, although we began well’’, Henk ten Cate said. ,,We deserved to win, but it wasn't really good. We were in control in the second half. Gomes saved two certain goals.''
Everyone in Amsterdam was happy with the first trophy of the season, but obviously Wednesday's match against Slavia Prague in the qualifying round of the Champions League has top priority. ,,The big difference with last year is that I now know the players for more than three weeks'', Ten Cate said. ,,We gave very little away in the preseason, also against the big clubs. Tonight our defence was solid again. We are much further this time around.''
George Ogararu had to be taken off after 25 minutes with a hamstring injury. He was - more than adequately - replaced by Gregory van der Wiel. Ismael Urzaiz is fit, and can play on Wednesday. So can Luis Suárez.
