Koeman was very surprised how quickly the team managed to score a goal. But despite that it was not a way to continue so he took advantage of the fact that the players were celebrating to call on Maxwell and give him some instructions and also give some to the others. Improved tactical awareness, game reading ability and field experience, let him know that it will be indeed effective. Not all opportunities come from slow or subtle organization moving from the backcourt to the frontcourt. The defensive scramble can also create chances, and sometimes the opponent's defense will be caught off guard due to the suddenness.
Now with the score even, little by little Ajax have an overall advantage. It's not just the central and forward players who bomb Volendam's goal in turn, but now they can even sent assists that can get them shooting opportunities.
In the 33rd minute of the match, when Sneijder met Luirink's frontal, he push and kicked the ball then turned to protect it. Sneijder perfectly protect the ball in front of him and sent a pass behind him, Luirink was a little dumbfounded because when Sneijder pass the ball he didn't look behind him at all.
Anastasiou who receive the ball, dribbled forward and quickly moved forward. When Koning intercepted frontally, Anastasiou decisively passed the ball diagonally to the right of the penalty area.
De Ridder then make a control with the ball and then change direction passed the center-back Ruud with a fake dribble, adjust the ball and shoot. The ball goes straight into the bottom left corner of the goal. Goalkeeper Leno didn't make a save and the goal was score.
The home team's supporters in the stands were delighted and De Ridder rushed in to celebrate with his teammates. He smile turned back in the corner flag area and make his iconic celebration. Volendam coach face was full of frustration. After loosing the ball, the offense cannot be organized, the front line cannot pose a threat, and the defense line is turbulent. 2-1 He is not completely helpless. But the opponent began to deploy his own game. Fortunately the first half come to an end. In the second half, he told the team to strengthen their defense. If it can't stabilize the team, send in three other players to see if they can turn things around.
Both teams switched sides in the second half to battle again. Ajax didn't make any personal adjustments. Koeman stood on the sidelines with his right elbow in his left hand and touched his right cheek with his right hand, wanting to see the team performance in the second half .
Volendam team are trailing, but they didn't attack. First they try to stabilize the defense, but Ajax is even more unscrupulous in their attack. First it was a long range shoot fire outside the penalty area, then another shoot of Soetaers who hit the crossbar. Van Der Vaart scored an extra shot inside the penalty area but he was penalized for offside. Galásek hit the far corner of the goal from a low angle and was saved by the goalkeeper. Koeman praised the team's performance in the first half at halftime, but did not make the team conservative. This is why they continue to fire may shoot at the opposite team goal.
Ajax didn't want to relax at all. Galásek ran and quickly swept the frontcourt, trying to take the ball, forcing the opposite team to launch a quick attack. They play a high quality fast break game, but they are successfully defended by Ajax.
In the 52nd minute of the match, Sneijder sent a pass. The ball penetrated the defense and rolled down the right side. Soetaers then inserted and sent a straight cross. Anastasiou flew decisively against the falling ball, never considered stopping it. The right footed volley made the ball look like a shooting star flying straight to the top left corner of the center of the goal.
The goalkeeper didn't have time to make a save. It looks like a ball that can be blocked by taking a step and raising your hand, but the ball speed is too fast!
The cheers rang out in the stadium. Anastasiou and the other player celebrate together. This is a good thing because the opposite team is not so strong but today they put up a good fight, giving some headache to the player of AFC Ajax. Once they enter the rhythm of the game, they find their own playing style and score some goals.
Until the end, there is not another goal. Even when the opposite team fire many dangerous shoot, Ravier was there and resolve them all.
When the whistle sounded at the end, Volendam's generals seemed to have heard the sound of redemption. Because the game was intense and they were really tired.
Koeman was really happy as he just learned Feyenoord had also won their match so the point difference continues to be 6 points. Otherwise if they lose today game, they could have reduced it.
In the next afternoon, after the comfortable post-game practice, Koeman lightly congratulated the team, and reiterated that they still have many important battles and asked the team to stay focused and vigilant.
Ravier and the other went to take a shower, put on the sportswear, sneakers, and his backpack, and left the locker room. They are all the things Yolanda sent him.
Going to the parking lot and passing the mixed zone of the stadium, many media reporters gathered and handed the microphone to him. But he didn't answer any questions. Ravier meant nothing and allowed the journalists to put his words in another context. He has read enough about this sort of thing. But the journalists insisted and did not give up.
Asked about the wonderful performance he has delivered since his start of competition, he remained very calm and answered.
"I prepared for a long time and thanks to my efforts I had the opportunity to make my debut. I think so far everything is going well, having more opportunities has stimulated me and motivated me to keep working hard".
"And regarding the 1st goal you conceded, do you want to make a comment?"
"Well nothing at all. We are all human and we make mistakes. It sometimes happens even to the best defenders."
After the interview, Ravier walked to the parking lot.
The reporters watched him go.
Not far from the stadium, Ravier returned to the small apartment he rented with Stanley. Stanley was there when I got home, he was preparing something to eat. After playing for about 50 minutes, Ravier did not consume much, so he continued his physical training according to his daily habits when he was at home.
"You were great as usual during the game".
"I conceded a stupid goal in the game".
"Nah, it was preferably your teammate the stupid one".
We looked at each other for a moment and then we burst out laughing.
"I also have to consider this kind of thing."
"What??"
I ask him a bit confused.
With the tone of a person who knows everything, he answered me.
"A team's ability to come up in score."
Ravier was standing in front of his small bedroom window, staring at the night sky outside. He was still thinking about what Stanley had told him. He was right, when he wants to leave here in the future, to choose a new team, there are several things to consider. One misstep and your career could take a hit. But for now that was the least of his worries. Despite the fact that his performance has been exemplary so far, his place as starting goalkeeper is still not assured. While having this thought, Ravier closed his eyes and fell asleep.
In a few more months, it will be a year since Ravier came to the Netherlands. Ravier, soon to be 17, began his football career here with the best hopes.