Hiddink celebrates more soccer success - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Hiddink celebrates more soccer success

By Theo Ruizenaar 08/12/2005 05:58:09 AM Comments (0)

Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink was full of praise for his PSV Eindhoven team after their 2-0 victory over Turkey's Fenerbahce and qualification for the Champions League knock out phase.

An early header by captain Philip Cocu gave PSV the lead, while Peruvian Jefferson Farfan sealed the win from close range with five minutes remaining.

PSV won all three of their European home matches without conceding a goal.

Out of the last 11 matches in their own stadium, the Dutch champions won nine, with only Arsenal and Olympique Lyon standing firm last season to escape with draws.

"When I came back to the Netherlands some years ago football had to be attractive, beautiful and nice," said Hiddink, who also last month led Australia to the 2006 World Cup finals.

"I was very annoyed by that opinion. If you want to play at the top, you have to change that.

"Your style has to be effective - and attractive is also important - but beautiful and nice are just not possible at this level."

Midway through the first half Ibrahim Afellay pulled out with a groin injury and Hiddink did not hesitate to bring 17-year-old Ismail Aissati, who had already impressed during the 1-0 home win over last season's finalists AC Milan.

"I really enjoyed Aissati's performance" said Hiddink. "Despite his age he knows exactly what it is all about.

"He is a product from our youth department, just like Afellay. A few years ago there were some doubts at PSV what to do with the youth programme because nobody was coming through, but now we have created the right conditions for the youth to develop."

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news