Ajax book last-four berth

By Berend Scholten

Two second-half goals gave AFC Ajax a 2-0 Dutch Cup quarter-final win at ADO Den Haag while Willem II made it through to the last four for the first time in eight years.

Krol wins again
Ruud Krol's second game - and win - as Ajax caretaker coach following Ronald Koeman's resignation last week was delayed 15 minutes as their team bus was delayed. And it was not until the 54th minute that the visitors took the lead, Wesley Sneijder pouncing on the rebound after Hedwiges Maduro shot on to the post. Ajax drew twice with Den Haag in the Eredivisie this season, but made sure of victory tonight in the final minutes when Ryan Babel set up Mauro Rosales to score.

Sublime lobs
Willem II defeated Brabant rivals FC Den Bosch 3-0 to progress along with Ajax, making a fine start when Iwan Redan and Albert van der Haar each scored within the first 23 minutes. Van der Haar's goal had been a sublime lob but Hans Denissen produced one even more spectacular ten minutes from time to settle the tie.

Thursday ties
In Thursday night's remaining quarter-finals, Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven welcome remaining second division entrants TOP Oss, while Feyenoord play NAC Breda.