Ajax reached the quarterfinals of the KNVB Cup on Wednesday evening, at the expense of Spakenburg. The second-division team was defeated 7-0. Siem de Jong brought Ajax into the lead with a hat trick in the first half. After that, Lassina Traoré (2), Dusan Tadic and Naci Ünüvar scored the remaining goals.
16-year old talent Ünüvar created the most excitement in the packed Johan Cruijff ArenA. Ünüvar was cheered on as he warmed up, and received a standing ovation when he came on as a substitute. He reported to the left flank and his play was animated: combinations, creating plays, searching for space. Ünüvar had the chance of a lifetime to score 10 minutes before time, but he skidded in the final moment.
Final goal for Ünüvar
The youngster got his moment, though, after causing a penalty. Ünüvar was allowed to take the shot, and he didn’t falter. The young, technical player sent the ball coolly into the corner of the goal and determined the final score, 7-0. A debut that dreams are made of.
The experienced De Jong had brought Ajax into a comfortable 3-0 halftime lead earlier on. The veteran had a clean hat trick. In one half he scored with his head, and both his left and right foot. Spakenburg held tight for half an hour but the midfielder’s opening goal after 18 minutes put a damper on the amateur’s determination.
Traoré strikes twice
The goals came faster in the second half. Traoré, playing a great match, secured the 4-0 score seven minutes into the second half on a pass from Ryan Babel. The young Burkina Faso native later scored the 5-0 goal after a good pass by Carel Eiting, who also made his mark. Eiting was the boss at midfield.
Tadic scored a goal of his own as well, just prior to being substituted. Traoré made this assist. After the 6-0 goal, Erik ten Hag made two substitutions and Ünüvar came in. Well executed attacks, 7 goals and a very young player making he debut were the ingredients of a successful cup evening. The next hurdle will be Vitesse, who defeated Heracles by 0-2.
On Sunday, the Eredivise match against FC Groningen awaits.