At the Philips Stadion

     Footballing chants are a pleasure to the ears if you are a fan of the Sport and a club. I listen to the 'Glory Glory Man United' anthem very frequently, almost always getting goosebumps generated. Therefore, when I visited the Philips Stadion - Eindhoven recently, I was able to comprehend why the atmosphere was so electrifying and vociferous. Anyone who calls home support making a difference in Football as a myth, should think again or pay a visit to the stadium once.

Geert Wielens, a good friend, a colleague of mine and a passionate season ticket holder, very kindly took me along to watch a game of Football, which has been my dream for so long. It was a local derby at a miniature level, against a club named Willem II. The PSV Eindhoven football club has rich history and tradition but one that has lived in the shadows of the more illustrious AFC Ajax in recent years. The stadium which was constructed over a 100 years ago, offers a picturesque view from the outside and within.

                                                        

                                                         

It's been 7 years since PSV last won the Dutch league (was written a few weeks back and at that time Ajax were still the Champions) and its Ajax who has won the last 4 titles in succession. With just over a dozen games to go PSV were four points ahead and that's really not a lead that could guarantee titles at that time of the year (February). This again is a must-win game, therefore.

I had a personal agenda during the game. Scouting Memphis Depay, the 20-year old left winger from PSV. Louis van Gaal is a great admirer of the talented Dutchman and as we know, United are always about pacy wingers. Depay had a mixed game, showcasing some of his wizardly skills to get into the box a few times without really creating many chances. He anyway will have a massive say in the outcome of the game, something that I will explain in the later half.   

                                                      

The game kicked off in subdued fashion with neither side creating clear cut opportunities. Watching the game with the home supporters made me realise how biased I was, when I watch United's games on TV. There was a cynical foul by one of the opposition players close to the half line. It was a booking alright and the referee duly pulled out an yellow card. 

"That should have been a red", said Geert's friend. I couldn't tell it loud but said to myself, "There can never be a football fan who is fair". I have felt that way many a time.

The opposition goal keeper made a couple of regulation saves and again I hear, "Its always the case. Against PSV they make these saves. If it's against Ajax, it's a goal". All these while I was keenly keeping a tab on how Depay plays. PSV were trailing due to a 30th minute goal from. From then on the home team created many chances without making use of any. In the 70th minute they were awarded a penalty and it was none other than Memphis who accepted the challenge. It isn't easy to take these when your team is trailing since the pressure is always on the penalty taker. The young man missed from the spot and lesser men would have gone into a shell, having let go a massive opportunity. But Depay showed an admirable amount of maturity for his age, by scoring the winner in the 87th minute, after PSV had equalized a few moments earlier to that. The stadium erupted, I danced along joyfully with my mates, it would be a moment that would stay on with me for a long while to come. PSV went on to tighten their stranglehold and never once relinquished their lead on top of the table. They will eventually wrap up the title in the middle of April, with three games to spare.

                                                    

Congratulations to PSV for winning the Eredivise, we hope to meet you in the Champions League in the next season!

Thanks Geert once again! It was a memorable evening. If ever Memphis plays for Manchester United in the future, I will be really thankful to you for making me witness his performance first hand. If that happens, I would also like to offer an advanced apology to you and Eric, for having your player taken away. But as all of us know and will admit, with all due respect to PSV, the kid has outgrown the club and deserves to test himself in more challenging conditions.