IT WASN’T EXACTLY childsplay for AZ Alkmaar, but they won a unique cup tie against Ajax this afternoon.
The original game was abandoned in December after AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek led his team off the field following an attack on his goalkeeper, Esteban Alvarado.
The KNVB initially ordered the replay to be played behind closed doors at the Amsterdam Arena, but eventually decreed that only children under the age of 13 would be allowed entry.
Today, that decision bore fruit as 22,000 scampered through the gates – no doubt setting new records for crisp and fizzy drink sales in the stadium kiosks.
As for the game; Siem de Jong gave Ajax an early lead, only to have AZ turn it around thanks to, the fantastically named, Maarten Martens and Charlison Benschop.
Esteban could not escape the action this time either; his parry from a Christian Eriksen shot was only parried out to DeJong, who doubled his tally and sent the sides in level at half time.
AZ continued to dominate in front of the pint-sized crowd in the second half and got the winning goal in the 55th minute after a Toby Alderweireld handball. Rasmus Elm stroked home from 12 yards.
Here is some pre-match footage from inside the stadium.
YouTube credit: annamariaheeftgelijk
