Chapter 18: 18
But, Ravier did not give him this opportunity at all. He was very focused and followed the progress of the game. An important game like this if he made the slightest mistake the team was going to be in a dangerous position in the standings. Since PSV Eindhoven were only three points behind AFC Ajax.
Unlike the previous match where the defense was playing very well, in this one the players were making several mistakes. The reason was very simple. Eindhoven found this crack Robben as a striker. So in this case concentration was the order of the day for Ravier.
So when Ravier saw Hesselink receive the ball he immediately got into position as he had already noticed Robben running to receive his pass. He pushed the ball in his blind spot into the side netting. The shot was powerful and fast. Impossible for the goalkeeper to repel a shot like this. But Ravier like Robben, was a crack. In this kind of situation his vision therefore came into play. Not only did he see the trajectory of the ball but it arrived a little in slow motion. Which then gave Ravier a few seconds. He used his speed took a few steps and stretched to his maximum and with his fingertips put the ball for a corner.
On this action the crowd without realizing it had held its breath. Then, when Ravier push the ball out for a corner the Ajax supporters couldn't stop shouting and applauding. Unlike PSV Eindhoven fans who have a look of regret on their face.
Koeman also held his breath. If the team concedes just before the end of the first period it will be a little blow for them. The second part of the match would be more difficult. When Ravier pushed the ball away, he made a decision. He will make sure to kept him in the club. After several matches, he has already recognized the value of Ravier. He can even assume that Ravier is much better than Lebont. The only problem is his age and lack of experience.
When Robben saw that Ravier kicked the ball away he was really pissed.
This damn goalkeeper!!!.
He didn't have time to feel too sorry for himself since the corner was about to be executed. After the corner the referee put an end to the first period. The two teams continued to battle it out in the second half. Fortunately, Robben was better defended in the second half.
At the 75th minutes of the game, Galásek received a pass, observe the position of the player and made a cross. This ball is not high nor short and it is not like previous crosses, nor does it sweep the pass too vigorously either. The ball flies to the penalty area with a diagonal line.
This type of ball can be a very good pass for a center-forward. For example, Ibrahimović, who is about 1.85 meters tall, can reach about 2.3 meters and can easily receive this ball. This balloon flies almost in the middle. It's only 2 meters high If you pass to him, he might have the ball. Unfortunately he is not here.
This type of ball diagonally upwards cannot be ignored even by PSV Eindhoven defenders. Bouma, who is in charge of the forward point, took a step and stood to prepared to take off and manage the ball, as before.
At that moment, a figure appeared in the corner of Bouma's eyes. He didn't care. If the the opponent approached to catch the ball, he will not let him grab the landing spot first. In professional games, every thinking and action must be a professional and accurate, this one of the basic qualities of a player. But the next moment he realized something was wrong, even so, Bouma has no time to do anything. He jumped, and think that he has made a good judgment and can resolve this ball easily. But when he jump he see a number in front of him. And this number is getting bigger and bigger. Until it takes up all of Bouma's view. At this time he suddenly understand.
Sneijder flew away.
- Oh my God! He jumped so high.
Bouma desperately strained his head, trying to get the ball back first, but still miscalculated.
Sneijder's position is closer to football than him, and he is one step ahead of him too.
Shaking his head, he forced the ball to the goal.
The quality of this header is very good and it is very powerful too.
The PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper stood in the center of the goal. He originally thought that Bouma could push the ball back, but he didn't expect the ball to fly in his goal. The disadvantage of having too many players in the penalty area was reflected at this time. Because of this, his vision was disturbed.
It was too late to see the ball and react.
He tried his best to subconsciously save, but he could only watch the football rush into the goal.
- Goalllll !
- My God Sneijder He's amazing, He jumped high and score with a header!
- This goal is amazing!
Koeman stood on the sidelines, saw Sneijder score a goal, turned around with his hands open and celebrate the goal.
Sneijder also celebrated his goal with Galásek.
The two hugged each other and celebrated the goal enthusiastically.
Bouma stood in the penalty area with his hand on his hips he was a little miserable.
- I didn't think that he will jump so high in front of me.
- You left him too much space, you should put yourself forward more.
The PSV Eindhoven keeper shouted at him a bit outraged.
In the next minute after the goal, the Eindhoven team's line of defense had realign the strategy and develop a more comprehensive defense plan to avoid conceding another goal.
The goal was replayed on the big screen. Fans who didn't see it saw just how it the first time, stood up and clapped.
At the last moment of the match, Robben, who couldn't rewrite the score, forced a long shot. But the accurate shot was blocked by Escude in the penalty area and missed.
In the end, the score in this match was 2-0. Ajax beat PSV Eindhoven at the Philips Stadium. In terms of score, the result is not bad.
In this match Ravier completely froze Robben. He couldn't score a goal despite his best efforts.
After the match all the tension accumulated during the match began to be felt. Ravier felt a little tired. There were dangerous actions but fortunately he could solve them.
The next day the newspapers were talking a lot about the match. After all it was a derby. Ravier, Sikora and Sneijder were the protagonists.
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