Amsterdam-Orange-Rood ends 2-2

Not only the fireworks around the pitch created atmosphere, but also inside the lines things went wild immediately. Oranje-Rood was dangerous early on through Max de Bie and Boaz Houben, but at the other end it was an instant hit. Mustapha Cassiem lashed out with his forehand and drove the ball past (the helmet of) Tomas Santiago: 1-0. The Argentine reacted too late and also seemed to have trouble with the low sun in the Wagener Stadium.

The leaders from Eindhoven hardly gave home in the opening stages, until Pol Cabré Verdiell finally threw off his diffidence. The Spaniard started a strong move, dribbled into the circle and found the foot of Casper Berkman there. The equaliser immediately followed from Oranje-Rood's first penalty corner. Tijmen Reyenga surprised Amsterdam goalkeeper Oliver Payne with a mock flick instead of the usual drag flick: 1-1.

But Amsterdam had the lead back within two minutes. Again it was Mustapha Cassiem who struck. The South African striker was played in perfectly by his brother Dayaan through the axis of the pitch, cleverly turned free from the penalty spot and pushed in the 2-1.

As ORANJE-ROOD was still not comfortable in the match, it was helped immensely by a slip by Lee Morton. The defender slipped in the Eindhoven half and lost the ball, after which OR was able to switch gears at lightning speed. Henrik Mertgens slalomed into the circle and rammed the 2-2 into the long corner.

Both teams tried in the closing stages, but there were no real big chances in a game that was especially scorching in the first half, so the first semi-final ended where it had been at half-time: 2-2. A result with no winner, but with everything in place for a thrilling return. Sunday in Eindhoven will be the decision on who gets to report in the final of the play-offs.