Willem II shock Ajax to reach final
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Article summary
Willem II qualified for the UEFA Cup as well as the Dutch Cup final by defeating AFC Ajax in Thursday's semi-final.
Article body
By Berend Scholten
Willem II reached the Dutch Cup final - and claimed a place in next season's UEFA Cup - by defeating AFC Ajax 1-0 at home in their semi-final.
Missed opportunities
After Ajax's Steven Pienaar, Angelos Charisteas and Nicolae Mitea had all missed when put through on goal with only keeper Oscar Moens to beat, it was left to Willem II midfielder Tom Caluwé to divide the sides as he scored in the 38th minute following an assist from Jatto Ceesay.
Destination Europe
The Tilburg team will now play champions-elect PSV Eindhoven in their third final appearance, having won the trophy in 1944 and 1963. With PSV set to enter the UEFA Champions League next term, Willem II, who are ranked 12th in the Eredivisie, will take the UEFA Cup slot allocated to the Dutch Cup winners.
