Netherlands round-up: Roda boost European chances
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Article summary
Roda JC moved into the UEFA Cup qualification places with a 5-1 win against lowly FC Groningen on Tuesday.
Article body
Roda JC's UEFA Cup qualification hopes were boosted with a 5-1 Eredivisie victory against relegation-threatened FC Groningen tonight.
Brazilians on form
Lying sixth with a game in hand prior to the match, which was postponed from late April, it was Brazilian duo Sergio and Cristiano who weighed in with two goals each to take their side into the second of the three UEFA Cup berths.
Late goals clinch win
Sergio's first came on the half-hour mark, and his side were set for victory on 51 minutes when the same player doubled the lead. Pius Ikedia pulled one back eleven minutes later, but in the seventh minute Christiano pounced after Kevin van Dessel hit the post to make it 3-1. Yannis Anastasiou turned in substitute Diego Jongen's cross to extend the lead five minutes from time and Cristiano completed the scoring courtesy of the same provider.
Groningen worry
Roda are 27 points behind third-placed Feyenoord with three games to go, but more crucially two in front of sixth-placed NEC Nijmegen. Groningen remain 15th, only above FC Zwolle in the relegation play-off places on goal difference.
