Members of PSV celebrate victory after the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
ROTTERDAM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- PSV secured their 11th Dutch Cup in history after defeating Ajax in a penalty shootout in the final in Rotterdam on Sunday.
After a header by PSV defender Jarrad Branthwaite went wide, Ajax scored during the subsequent counterattack a few minutes before halftime. Ajax winger Steven Bergwijn's attempt resulted in an own goal, as it deflected off Branthwaite's leg.
In the second half, Ajax striker Brian Brobbey missed an opportunity to double the lead by hitting the post. On a cross by PSV midfielder Xavi Simons, substitute Thorgan Hazard netted the equalizer in the 67th minute.
Both teams failed to score during the remainder of regular time and extra time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
After misses from Brian Brobbey of Ajax (wide), Andre Ramalho of PSV (saved), Jurrien Timber of Ajax (bar), Ibrahim Sangare of PSV (post), and Edson Alvarez of Ajax (saved), Fabio Silva converted the decisive penalty for PSV, winning 3-2.
Ajax remains the record holder with 20 Dutch Cup victories. ■
Steven Bergwijn (2nd R) of Ajax passes the ball as Jarrad Branthwaite (1st L) of PSV hits a own goal during the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Edson Alvarez (1st L) of Ajax clears the ball during the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Davy Klaassen (2nd L) of Ajax vies with Ibrahim Sangare of PSV during the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Goalkeeper Joel Drommel of PSV celebrates after the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Fabio Silva of PSV celebrates victory after scoring in the penalty shootout during the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Xavi Simons (R) of PSV vies with Calvin Bassey of Ajax during the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Jurrien Timber (1st L) and Francisco Conceicao (2nd R) of Ajax vie with Erick Gutierrez (2nd L) of PSV during the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Players of PSV celebrate victory after the final match of KNVB Cup between Ajax and PSV in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
