AZ end Newcastle's European hopes

Friday 16 March 2007

Alkmaar’s AZ played an impressive game against Newcastle United on Thursday night, beating the English team 2-0 to give them a place in the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup on away goals. AZ lost to Newcastle 4-2 just a week ago in the away match.

‘This is a fantastic performance in more ways than one. The game was extra tough, not only did we have to score twice, but we had to make sure too that no goals were scored against us.

‘I want to compliment my defenders in particular, Ryan Donk and Kew Jaliens, they had the hardest task,’ trainer Louis van Gaal told ANP.

Before the match Van Gaal gave his team a 40% chance of winning, reported the Telegraaf. The British press said AZ's performance had been a 'remarkable fightback'.

Shota Arveladze scored the first goal for AZ before half-time and Danny Koevermans put in the winning shot in the second half.

The draw for the quarter finals will be announced later today.

© DutchNews.nl

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