28 april 2024 – 16:29
Sparta Rotterdam took a new step towards the Play-Offs this afternoon. The Rotterdam team were too strong for FC Volendam 1-0 at Het Kasteel. Tobias Lauritsen scored the only goal fifteen minutes before the end and became the match winner.
The atmosphere is good at Sparta, which is well in the left row with three victories in the last four matches. A finish in the top nine is enough to participate in the Play-Offs for European football afterwards. This afternoon, Sparta was able to do well against FC Volendam, although coach Jeroen Rijsdijk was missing two important forces. As is known, Joshua Kitolano was not there, but Arno Verschueren was also missed this afternoon. His position was filled by Pelle Clement, who started the match as number ten. As a controlling midfielder, there was a starting place for Jonathan de Guzmán. Furthermore, we saw the same ten that started in the 2-3 victory over Almere City.
Sparta started the match well and had two good chances within ten minutes. The first was for Shunsuke Mito, who tried to reach Koki Saito at the far post. Thanks to an utmost effort by George Cox, his cross did not reach his compatriot. One minute later, Tobias Lauritsen was close to making it 1-0 when he took Mike Eerdhuijzen’s cross in one go. However, goalkeeper Mio Backhaus was well positioned and kept Lauritsen from scoring his eleventh goal of the season. Five minutes later, Metinho intercepted the ball in Volendam’s half and found Pelle Clement. However, the midfielder’s long shot went far wide.
Text continues below the photo. (Photo: Mischa Keemink)
For example, the best chances in the first fifteen minutes were for Sparta, but more opportunities were not forthcoming. Volendam got better and better in the match and handed out its first pinprick through Cox. The left back’s corner shot dangerously through, but was eventually pushed over the back line by a Spaartan. Seven minutes later, Volendam got its first real chance of the match. Once again Cox played a leading role, who reached Vivaldo with a good cross. The striker tried to get behind his supporting leg, but placed the ball just wide. This is how Sparta escaped falling behind, even though it also had an excellent opportunity just before. After an excellent through ball from Metinho, Saito could only approach Backhaus. However, a good sliding by Damon Mirani prevented the Japanese from attempting a goal. The other Japanese on the field; Mito still had a chance just before half time. He received the ball as a gift from Josh Flint and then was away too quickly for the defender to get Mito off the ball through a foul. However, another Volendammer Oskar Buur extended a helping hand and blocked Mito’s attempt. From the subsequent corner, Backhaus effortlessly turned Mike Eerdhuijzen’s header.
Text continues below the photo. (Photo: Carla Vos)
As a result, both teams went to the dressing room in a not too spectacular first half with a 0-0 halftime score. Jonathan de Guzmán did not return from that dressing room, the veteran was replaced by Camiel Neghli. With Neghli within the lines, Sparta quickly made it 1-0 through Mito after the break, but his effort did not end between the posts. On the other hand, Bram van Driel’s shot had the same fate. After an hour of play we scored the first real chance of the second half, which was for Volendam. Darius Johnson suddenly got the ball at his feet and took a swing. However, Nick Olij did not have much trouble with the first Volendam shot on target.
Text continues below the photo. (Photo: Mischa Keemink)
We hadn’t seen anything of Sparta for a long time. The Rotterdammers had little to fear from Volendam, but they also created little themselves. Rijsdijk’s formation did not get much further than a dangerous cross from Djevencio van der Kust for a long time, until Tobias Lauritsen shot the 1-0 against the ropes somewhat out of nowhere. Van der Kust did the preparatory work and found the Norwegian with an excellent cross. It was then a piece of cake for Lauritsen to score the opening goal: 1-0. However, the match was by no means decided, because Volendam, which desperately needed the points, switched to the final offensive. That created a serious chance for Achraf Douiri ten minutes before the end. However, the substitute shot over. In the absolute final phase, Volendam pressed further, although Sparta remained upright quite easily. Johnson had another opportunity, but ultimately shot over via Eerdhuijzen.
Text continues below the photo. (Photo: Carla Vos)
Sparta also gave nothing away in injury time, allowing it to take the 1-0 lead. The Kasteellords therefore climb to eighth place and are seven points ahead of number ten. An away match against PSV awaits next week.
Sparta Rotterdam line-up:
Nick Olij, Saïd Bakari, Bart Vriends, Mike Eerdhuijzen, Djevencio van der Kust, Jonathan de Guzmán (46. Camiel Neghli), Shunsuke Mito (62. Charles-Andreas Brym), Metinho, Tobias Lauritsen, Pelle Clement, Koki Saito (88 .Hamza el Dahri)
