De Friezen draw to Twente

De Friezen came within minutes of an important win over Twente but with a last minute strike the match ended with a 1-1 score. The draw had massive implications on Trond Sollied's side as they fell out of the Europa League spot to fifth but equally have a another twist should the result cause Twente to fall out of a Champions League berth.

As a preview to next months KNVB final the match had the all the tone of a title bout with scoring opportunities limited with resolute defending. After a scoreless half Heerenveen looked like it found the winner goal as former Dinamo Zagreb-man Danijel Pranjić's corner was sent in by Paulo Henrique. However thoughts of three-points disappeared as with time winding down, Twente's Theo Janssen sent in a free-kick from twenty-five metres. What makes the result most intriguing is that the losing finalist for the domestic cup competition (the KNVB Beker in this situation) will qualify for the Europa League if the winners qualify for the Champions League but with Twente not gaining full points they have opened up a chance for Ajax.

Heading into the final two weeks Heerenveen will need help if they are to overtake PSV but first they must defeat ADO Den Haag on Sunday

Theo Janssen's last gasp goal saves Twente

De Tukkers maintained their second-place position by the narrowest of margins as they played Heerenveen to a 1-1 draw, with thanks to Theo Janssen's last gasp goal.

In a prelude to next months KNVB Beker final the match took on a interesting tone as both sides seemed not to want show too much of their tactical plan for the big day. Excluding a few early chances the majority of the opening half was a box to box encounter and defending was letter perfect. However with thirteen minutes left Heerenveen's play-maker extraordinaire Danijel Pranjić corner was turned in by Paulo Henrique after 'keeper Sander Boschker was lost coming out to defend. However with a minute left Blaise Kufo was fouled during a challenge and a free-kick awarded. Theo Janssen lined his effort up and from twenty-five metres drove the ball to the far left corner to square the match at one.

Welcome to FC Twente

Continuing with the success of last year that saw FC Twente finish fourth in the Eredivisie, the Steve McClaren-led side has gotten off to a good start. While the last three matches, starting with the loss to Ajax and AZ and last weeks draw to Rotterdam's Feyenoord have taken the luster off the early season the club has displayed very efficient play and strong defensive fundamentals while honouring a number of young up and coming players.

Tactically play has varied in either a 4-4-2 or 4-4-3 primarily, with veterans Theo Janssen and Youssouf Hersi anchoring the midfield that includes emerging Footballers Cheik Tioté, Marko Arnautović and Wout Brama. Up-top captain Blaise Kufo and a potential star of the future Eljero Elia present a very capable striking duo. The defending back line is anchored by the extremely under-rated Edson Braafheid, veteran Rob Wielaert, Ronnie Stam and Douglas.

Stop by later for a full preview of this weekends match as SC Heerenveen comes to the Veste.