PSV Eindhoven did enough today to win the Dutch Eredivisie for the third season in a row. Ronald Koeman's side put five past Vitesse Arnhem keeper Vladimir Stojkovic to pip Ajax to the title. Ajax had started the day level on points but with an superior goal difference. But they could only score twice in beating Willem II Tilburg, thus conceding the title to the defending champs by one goal.The leaders going into the day, AZ Alkmaar, couldn't take the pressure and crashed to an unlikely defeat to bottom dweller Excelsior. AZ keeper Boy Waterman (great first name) was judged to have committed a professional foul 20 minutes into the game and was sent off. It only got worse from there on, with Louis van Gaal's side having to play catch up throughout the game. Daniel Guijo-Velasco killed off any hope AZ had of winning it's second league title when he scored the winner with just seconds left to play.
Today's results leaves Ajax and AZ consigned to a four-team playoff for the last Champions League spot. They will join Twente Enschede and Heerenveen in an end-of-season competition that, last season, saw the Amsterdam club win out.
Also of note, PSV captain Phillip Cocu has declared that he will not play for the Dutch champions next season. He is quoted as saying that he's still interested in playing abroad, setting off speculation that he might come to play here in the U.S. or in Australia.
PSV win league in thrilling finish [DutchNews.nl]
Cocu Path Clear For MLS Move [Soccer365]
Cocu Hints At Australian Adventure [Four Four Two]
-ac
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