2023-12-23 21:12:00
Fear not, Mega Toby is here. Antwerp seemed to have to celebrate Christmas on a low note after two goals from Westerlo’s super sub Lucas Stassin, but occasional attacker Toby Alderweireld still managed to score a point for ‘The Great Old’ in a thrilling final phase.
LOOK. Handsome Antwerp tifo for kick-off against Westerlo
At the Bosuil the theme is always red and white. “The loving colors”, as they call it. During the Christmas period, this fun package also includes red and white Santa hats. The Antwerp fans had put together a nice tifo for the last home match of the year. Of their year. Because what a farming year they witnessed in Deurne Noord. One last full house in 2023.
Saying goodbye in beauty was not exactly the mentality with which those from Antwerp played football. After a few convincing minutes, the home team collapsed. There was far too much sloppiness in football. Final passes that did not arrive, miscommunication in the build-up and frequent loss of ball. It is that Westerlo and Madsen were merciful in their finishing two or three times, and that Alderweireld was desperately in the way a few times, or the national champion was punished for that nonchalance. Rik De Mil saw that it was good.
Rik De Mil © BELGA
Despite Antwerp’s relative control, Westerlo goalkeeper Bolat had to intervene little. A shot from Ejuke was turned away by Neustädter and Ekkelenkamp choked twice in his attempt at goal.
It was only on the stroke of half-time that Antwerp was able to open the door, although Bolat was on the receiving end of Muja’s fairly low and central shot. Going into half time with a lead. That’s called good timing.
Antwerp also remained stable after the break, with the difference that they made fewer mistakes. And more opportunities arose. Janssen’s attempt was blocked, Alderweireld headed the ensuing corner into the side netting and De Laet was edged offside after a wonderfully subtle ball from Ekkelenkamp.
© BELGIUM
Westerlo was rarely able to score as it regularly did before half time. De Mil then threw Stassin into the team next to Vaesen. Masterstroke, as it turned out a few minutes later. Butez had to release after an apparently clamping long shot from Van den Keybus. Coulibaly was not prepared for this and had let Stassin walk, who had to push in the equalizer. The same Stassin even made it 1-2 five minutes later with a measured effort in the far corner.
Alderweireld join the offensive, then. He, Ilenikhena and Janssen were allowed to solve it. The latter immediately had a great chance, but in all the fuss he couldn’t push the ball over the line. ‘Mega Toby’ himself took that on. Good goal, a volley in the short corner and another lifeline for RAFC, which pushed through at 100 percent. Bolat had to give everything he had to an attempt by Ilenikhena and his defenders also did their utmost to save that point. The Gamecocks are thus climbing away from the danger zone for the time being, while Antwerp is losing some ground on leader Union.
© BELGIUM
Van Bommel: “Very sloppy in our technical implementation”
Mark van Bommel was not a satisfied man after the points division. He rightly pointed out to his men that it was far too sloppy. “We lost the ball quite low on the field a few times, and that gives the opponent the feeling that there was something to gain. Our first half was too static, and from that it became sloppy. We had more control after the break, but after two long shots you are looking at a deficit.”
By putting Alderweireld (and later also Coulibaly) forward, ‘The Great Old’ still managed to score a point. “Toby is an extra weapon. He is super strong and feels where the ball is going to come, but at the same time you have to get the ball there. I still think it’s great that after so many games we still find the strength to turn such a situation around. We created the three biggest chances of the match in the final half. George twice, and Vincent. But we had some bad luck there. It was too sloppy today, but without us falling through the lower limit.”
Antwerp still has to visit Racing Genk on Boxing Day, just before the winter break. And the national champion has fond memories of that. In minute 93:33. “We are going to Genk, where I think we experienced the best moment of our career. When we walk into the stadium before the match, everyone looks to the right. To that square. We have already achieved good results. There is no guarantee that we will win, but you will definitely leave with a good feeling.”
© BELGIUM
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90’+8′
End of second half
90’+6′
Yellow card for Toby Alderweireld
92′
Ilenikhena over
Egg like this after the 3-2. Ilenikhena – again he – can head. The striker moves too far to the ground, causing the ball to bounce over Bolat’s goal.
90’+3′
Ravil Tagir is replaced by Nick Gillekens
90’+3′
Ravil Tagir is replaced by Tuur Rommens
90′
Five minutes extra
Antwerp still has five minutes to keep the three points at home. Will there be another possibility?
89′
Griffin Yow is replaced by Dogucan Haspolat
87′
Ilenikhena op Bolat
There was almost the winning goal. Ilenikhena can shoot from close range, Bolat stands firm. What an opportunity. The Tawny Owl shouts Antwerp forward.
85′
2-2 GOAL van Toby Alderweireld!
Then no first home defeat of the season? Alderweireld checks Yusuf’s cross well on the chest and then hits the volley. Up and about it?
© BELGIUM
85′
Just not Janssen
Balikwisha with a low cross, which Janssen dives into at the far post. Jordanov is able to hinder the Dutchman just in time.
81′
Mandela Keita is replaced by Zeno Van Den Bosch
77′
1-2 GOAL van Lucas Stassin!
Sensation on the Bosuil! Stassin cuts inside and curls the ball wonderfully towards the far corner. The leather disappears into the side.
© BELGIUM
75′
Another fifteen minutes
Antwerp still has fifteen minutes to avoid losing points. With Janssen, Balikwisha, Ilenikhena, Ejuke, … there is plenty of attacking force on the field.
74′
Yellow card for Edisson Jordanov
71′
1-1 GOAL van Lucas Stassin!
Then there is the equalizer. Van den Keybus takes Butez under fire, the French goalie pushes the ball back into the field. Goal thief Stassin has followed excellently and hits the target.
© BELGIUM
68′
Afzwaier Jordanov
The right back trumps Keita and takes a swing. The shot with the left is a real swing. There was more in this for Westerlo.
67′
Nicolas Madsen is replaced by Lucas Stassin
64′
Keita excellent
After a corner kick for Antwerp, Westerlo can quickly counter. Yow runs away with the ball, Keita defends excellently.
63′
Arbnor Muja is replaced by Alhassan Yusuf
63′
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp is replaced by Michel Ange Balikwisha
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