No less than 66% percent ball possession for Westerlo, nine goal attempts against two and six corner kicks against one. The statistics for the home team in the first half spoke for themselves. But it was Beerschot that went to the dressing room after 45 minutes with a 0-1 score. Just past the halfway point of the first half, Tom Reyners – one of the five players who now received a starting place compared to the derby against Antwerp – punished the Gamecocks’ lax defense with a spot-on shot in the left corner from just outside the box.
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Stereotypical
Westerlo – with the same eleven as against Standard at the kick-off – had gotten off to the best start. In minute five, Nick Shinton, who was favored over Davor Matijas, converted a left-footed kick from Bryan Reynolds into a corner. Dogucan Haspolat tried to surprise Shinton with a direct free kick from more than 25 meters. Shinton released the ball, but Loic Soh Mbe turned the ball into a corner. Afterwards, everything for the home team became too stereotypical and too impure. Reynolds no longer reached the back line and Allahyar Sayyadmanesh’s efforts were not extended in the zone of truth.
The visitors mainly thought about defending their lead. Many players behind the ball and waiting for the quick counter. Ten minutes before half-time, Haspolat sent a free kick over goal and in the 44th minute an attempt by Alfie Devine almost deflected into the goal. Shinton played it safe and tapped the ball into the corner. The last achievement before half-time was a header by Sayyadmanesh, after a corner kick by Haspolat from the right, which went narrowly wide.
READ ALSO. OUR VERDICT. Vuskovic stands out at Westerlo, Shinton also does the same at Beerschot
Fourth for Vuskovic
Timmy Simons will undoubtedly have read the Levites to his players during half-time. That it could be a bit brighter and more precise. He adjusted the system with three central defenders and removed Tuur Rommens from the center. The promising international moved to the flank, allowing Jordan Bos to operate a little higher. Westerlo got the equalizer on the hour mark. The man of the standing phases, Haspolat, whipped a corner kick from the left in front of goal and Luka Vuskovic headed the ball in powerfully at the near post. Already the third goal of the season for the 17-year-old Croat.
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Immediately the signal for Westerlo’s coach to make a tactical change. With Adedire Mebude he brought in an extra attacking force. Rommens was the child of the bill. The Gamecocks emphatically looked for a second goal. In an almost identical phase to the 1-1, corner kick from Haspolat and header from Vuskovic, Shinton saved the furniture for Beerschot. Reynolds took his chance from distance. His shot zoomed over the crossbar. Suddenly there was an opportunity for the men of Kiel. Substitute Florian Krüger kicked Sinan Bolat too centrally. On the other side, Shinton whipped a volley from another substitute Thomas Van den Keybus out of his goal.
Almost a stunt
Beerschot, which seemed satisfied with a point, surprisingly took the lead again. Bayram released sloppily and Sanusi kicked the ball past Bolat, who didn’t really have a response.
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Would Dirk Kuijt’s team still perform stunts in the Kuipje? That was without star Vuskovic. Via Frigan the ball ended up at the feet of his compatriot and like an accomplished striker he coolly extended the ball past Shinton. Westerlo was given eight minutes of added time. Many balls into the visiting box did not result in a goal.
Westerlo
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Beerschot
End | Westerlo 2-2 Beerschot
The young Scot continues to dribble and takes a shot, but he sees his attempt go wide. That could be the party’s last chance.
Bos’ shot is pushed into the corner. Haspolat tries to get the ball, but his corner is cleared from the box without any problems.
Appeal for penaltyAt Westerlo they are convinced that there was hand play in the sixteen. The VAR reviews the phase, but the game continues.
Haspolat’s cross is cleared by the Beerschot defense. Substitute Van den Keybus gets the ball and tries with a bicycle kick. His attempt ends in a corner.
The Croatian goes in search of the hat trick and takes his chance from very far away. His attempt just misses.
The 1-2 is just on the board and it is equal again. Bayram gets in the way of Alcócer’s shot, causing the ball to fall at the young Croatian’s feet. Vuskovic doesn’t hesitate and finishes. The score is equal again: 2-2.
After a brief check by the VAR, the goal is scored. It will be 1-2.
There is the 1-2 for Beerschot! A few minutes ago Krüger missed the 1-2, but now it is there. Westerlo cannot get rid of Sanusi’s first attempt and he can try again. The second time he shoots the ball into the net from close range.
Suddenly it rains opportunities on both sides. Substitute Van den Keybus checks the ball on the chest and takes it nicely on the volley, but Shinton makes a strong save.
The visitors counter strongly and create danger. Weymans does not choose his own success and passes the ball to Krüger. The German absolutely had to hit the net, but he decided straight at Bolat.
The American takes the ball on the volley from outside the box. His attempt flies a good meter over the goal.
Bayram gives away chanceHe controls the ball poorly and hands it to Charly Keita. The substitute takes the leather to the back line, but takes too much time. Bayram does well there.
Vuskovic almostFor the third time, the Croatian appears in the right place to head. This time Shinton can get another hand in and the tie remains on the board.
