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Young PSV earned a convincing 3-1 win over Young Ajax at De Herdgang sports centre on Monday night. The hosts scored all three of their goals before the break, but coach Anton Janssen's side failed to find the net in the second half. Young PSV are still on top of their league after the emphatic win over their Amsterdam counterparts.
In the absence of Alex, who has handed in a visa application, PSV goalkeeper Gomes did the honours and received the Bronze Shoe Award for his friend. Gomes, who has been in Eindhoven for three years, answered all questions in Dutch. “Alex has always been my best friend; we could get on together well even before we joined PSV. He fully deserves this award” concluded PSV's first-choice stopper. Phillip Cocu had come to Hilversum to receive the Silver Shoe Award for the second time in a row. Cocu had asked his friend Edwin van der Sar to hand him the award. The 36-year-old midfielder did not extend his contract with PSV at the end of last season and signed a one-year deal with United Arab Emirates club Al-Jazeera.
Former PSV head coach Guus Hiddink, who is now plying his trade in Russia, was also among last night's winners. KNVB President Henk Kesler presented the 60-year-old coach the Golden Lion accolade for a lifetime achievement with the Dutch national team, PSV, South Korea, Australia and Russia.
Afonso Alves was conspicuously absent at the annual gala night. The Brazilian, who is deeply hurt he has not been able to complete a deal with another club during the summer transfer window, felt he could not summon the courage to attend the ceremonies, embarrassing the organizers. The sc Heerenveen first-team and their coach Gertjan Verbeek squad showed character, though, and stepped unto the stage to pick up his award.
Alves has meanwhile been called up to the Brazil squad, just like Alex, for next week's friendly against the United States of America.
