THE HAGUE, Feb. 28 - Feyenoord and AZ qualified for the final of the Dutch Cup on Wednesday by beating Willem II and FC Twente respectively in the semi-finals.
With a temperature of around minus 8 degrees Celsius, and even an apparent temperature of minus 15 degrees Celsius due to the strong wind, the audience in Rotterdam suffered from the cold, but Feyenoord managed to make their fans warm against Willem II (3-0) with a decent performance and, more important, a final berth.
Steven Berghuis scored in the 21st minute for Feyenoord by tipping in on a cross by Ridgeciano Haps from the left after Nicolai Jorgensen had stepped over the ball. In the 60th minute Robin van Persie produced the second goal after finishing a counter attack. It was the 300th career goal for club and country for the 34-year-old forward. Just like the first Feyenoord goal Haps gave the assist.
After Van Persie was already substituted Tonny Vilhena made it 3-0 five minutes from time. With his goal the midfielder secured the place in the final for Feyenoord and kept the chance of finishing the season with a trophy alive. The reigning Dutch champions are having a disappointing league season, currently 5th in the Eredivisie ranking.
AZ had no difficulties with FC Twente in Alkmaar earlier on Wednesday: 4-0. Guus Til gave AZ the lead in the first half and Wout Weghorst and Oussama Idrissi (two goals) extended the scoring in the second part.
The final is scheduled for April 22 in Rotterdam, in stadium De Kuip, the home of Feyenoord. AZ will play their 7th final and can capture their 5th Cup, while Feyenoord will play their 17th final and can grab their 13th Cup. The last Cup win of AZ was in 2013 and of Feyenoord in 2016.
Current Dutch Cup holders Vitesse were already knocked out in the first round in September last year by amateur side Swift from Amsterdam. Vitesse defeated AZ 2-0 in last year's final.