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tribune news network
doha
Eintracht Frankfurt deservedly progressed to the semi-finals of Al Kass 2017, defeating PSV Eindhoven 3-1 in an entertaining game between two technically accomplished sides.
It seemed clear that Eindhoven had saved their best for the knockout phase, as they began this tie in impressive fashion. With just two minutes on the clock, some attractive approach play saw the ball fed to centre forward Yorbe Vertessen on the edge of the area, and his first time shot had keeper Paul Harbrecht diving acrobatically to tip over.
Chances were at a premium for the rest of the first half, but the quality of football on display was of the highest standard, with both sides taking turns to retain possession and search for openings.
And, PSV took full advantage when a gilt-edged chance arrived on 38 minutes. Dave Van Den Berg exchanged passes in midfield before flicking a first-time through ball into the path of Joop Daniels.
The tenacious left-winger advanced into the area and fired a low shot that beat Harbrecht at his near post to draw Eindhoven level.
The Dutch side were once again looking dangerous and almost went in front after 41 minutes when Sidibe, a hat-trick hero in Eindhoven's opener, fired a presentable chance just wide of the right-hand post when he might have expected to hit the target.
PSV had looked the more impressive of the two sides during the opening period, but Eintracht turned the tables with eight minutes of the second half gone. Substitute Jean Kabuya advanced through the inside right channel, collecting the ball and firing home from eight yards.
The Germans increased their lead on 65 minutes, after PSV keeper Van Dorp's weak clearance was collected 35 yards out by Aral. He wasted no time in feeding Kabuya, whose delightful flick into the path of Enrique Zauner allowed the striker to finish with style. Two minutes later, Eintracht's Cem Barlik had the chance to put the result beyond doubt, only to fire over from an unmarked position six yards out, with the goal at his mercy.
PSV refused to lie down and, with 20 minutes remaining, won a free kick 25 yards out in a central position, which Sidibe stroked narrowly over the bar. They went even closer soon after when Van Den Berg floated a free kick in from the right. The ball eluded PSV's attackers, and Eintracht's keeper, to drift inches wide of the left post. Despite facing a two-goal deficit, Eindhoven seemed unable to break free from their patient, possession-based passing game, allowing Frankfurt to see out the remainder of the game in relative comfort.
Meanwhle, Aspire kept their 100 percent record intact after sweeping Esperance De Tunis aside to claim a semi-final berth. A selection of spectacular goals and audacious efforts thrilled the crowd in an end-to-end encounters that finished 2-1 to the home side.
Having won their opening two matches, Aspire came into the game brimming with confidence, looking to dispose of a Tunis side that had yet to register a victory.
