Wow!
What a huge upset result and great performance from Ryan.
Extended (seven minutes) highlights:
http://livefootballvideo.com/highlights/netherlands/knvb-beker/pec-zwolle-vs-ajax-2
PEC players receive the Cup and winners' medals:
http://www.voetbalonline.nl/item/22357/VIDEO:-Huldiging-PEC-bij-KNVB-Beker
Ryan has a NZ flag around his waist!
Ryan on the left with his NZ flag.
So much drama surrounding this game: PEC's management threatened to walk off early on after massive amounts of flares were thrown on to the field early on - played on only under protest. Thirty-three Ajax supporters arrested for throwing flares and drunkenness.
Looks like Hades around the Ajax goal with all the flares early on in the highlights above. Ajax manager de Boer has spoken out strongly about the bad behaviour of many Ajax fans. Dutch FA is investigating and may impose sanctions on Ajax.
And then the football - one of the biggest upsets in Dutch Cup history. PEC 4-1 ahead after 40 mins and 5-1 ahead after 49 mins. One of the most embarrassing results in Ajax's long illustrious history for sure.
Ryan will have lots of Dutch and foreign clubs interested in him now. Will add a few million Euros to his transfer value.
Interview with Ryan post-match in Dutch papers:
KIWI CUP HERO'S FAMILY SET THEIR ALARM: "THEY WATCHED A STREAM "Monday, April 21, 2014 at 00:00 by Wout Stravers
With two goals Ryan Thomas had a large share in the cup stunt PEC Zwolle. Ron Jans' team defeated favorite Ajax by resounding numbers: 5-1. Thomas will remain sober during the festivities as one of the few players of PEC who don't drink.
Wout Stravers
ROTTERDAM
The New Zealander made shortly after the second fireworks break the score 1-1 and tapped out soon after the 2-1 Maikel van der Werff hit the post. With his goals, he might even reach the newspapers in his native New Zealand. "Yes, it would be quite a nice headline to be there," laughed Thomas in the mixed zone opposite Football Scoop . "I am very happy that I can do this. For the team"
"The first few minutes were pretty crazy with all the fireworks. They made a great goal and then we had to come from behind. After the break we've done a fantastic job, "said Thomas, who had never dreamed this result. advance "No, certainly not. Sneaky I was hoping we could go. A 2-1 victory, there is something off with the profits., But we won 5-1. The way we did it was great."
In New Zealand it was the middle of the night, but his family set the alarm for the final. "I think they looked. Using a live stream. I have a lot of text messages. Everyone is very happy for me. It's a fantastic first season for me in Zwolle. To that crown this way is great. "
Players PEC will the next few days from one end to the other party. Thomas will enjoy it. "How much beer I'll drink? I do not drink alcohol. Probably a lot of water."
Compilation of Dutch reports on the Final:
http://www.voetbalnieuws.ws/knvb-beker
