Northern Ireland v Netherlands

DOMESTIC

» »

The 18-team Eredivisie was founded in 1956, two years after the birth of professional football in the country, and it was won by Ajax. Including titles they won prior to the Eredivisie's formation Ajax have been Dutch league winners on 34 occasions, finishing first or second a remarkable 57 times. When Ajax have not lifted the Eredivisie trophy, it has typically been won by one of the other two clubs within the country's 'big three', PSV or Feyenoord. PSV have won 22 Dutch titles and Feyenoord have ended up at the summit on 15 occasions. Only twice since 1981 has the championship been won by a team outside of the big three. AZ Alkmaar, under two-times Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, were champions of the 2008-09 season while Twente, then led by one-time England manager Steve McClaren, won the following campaign. The Eredivisie has also proven to be an excellent stepping stone for some of South America's finest strikers. Brazil star Romario was the league's leading scorer in three seasons for PSV before joining Barcelona. PSV fans then had the pleasure of watching Romario's compatriot Ronaldo for two seasons, with the striker scoring 42 goals in 46 league games when he was still a teenager. Luis Suarez, once of Liverpool and now at Barcelona, scored 35 goals in 33 games for Ajax in one season having initially moved to Europe to join Dutch side Groningen. In terms of European competitions, Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV have all lifted the European Cup or Champions League. Ajax's most recent triumph came in the 1994-95 season, though they defeated Real Madrid and Juventus en route to the semi-finals last season.

» »

» »

» »

» »

» »

» »

37

www.irishfa.com