UEL 2022-23 - AZ vs West Ham United - 1.Half
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00:00 final with our commentators this evening Robbie Savage and Ian Dark. Thank you very much indeed
00:05 Jules and good evening everybody. Quite an atmosphere here, one of the biggest nights of
00:11 course in West Ham United's history but also one of the biggest nights in AZ Alkmaar's history as
00:18 well and they feel of course they're very much still in this tie. Only one goal in it and with
00:24 home advantage now in a stadium that feels rather like Brentford's. Holds about 20,000 of course the
00:32 vast majority supporting the home side here but officially 700 West Ham fans. I think it's quite
00:39 a lot more than that in truth. They found a way to get tickets somehow. Smart plush stadium here,
00:52 25 miles north of Amsterdam.
00:56 Alkmaar are unbeaten in 25 European home games as things stand.
01:05 West Ham looking to wipe out the hurt of a year ago
01:16 when they were eliminated by Antrac Frankfurt at the very last hurdle.
01:20 So,
01:28 so,
01:57 here comes the crunch now there's Jesper Karlsson who's a big player back in the side tonight.
02:03 David Moyes has only ever won a community shield among his many very very good deeds as a manager.
02:11 There's the Alkmaar side tonight strengthened by the return of Jesper Karlsson who was involved in
02:17 all four goals in an earlier round against Lazio and left back Miloš Kerkáš is back as well.
02:23 He was suspended last Thursday. Teenager Van Broderode switches to the right wing
02:29 tonight to fill in for the injured Jens Oordgaard. Mace De Witt drops to the bench.
02:34 They played very well at West Ham for the first hour of the game.
02:38 Looked technically very proficient.
02:40 Two times champions of the Netherlands and currently in fourth place in the table.
02:49 Captain by the former Southampton man Jordi Classi.
02:53 Referee from Slovakia Ivan KluzÃk who's handled Chelsea, Real Madrid
03:02 and Bayern Munich matches so far this season.
03:19 Well West Ham United rested nine players at Brentford on Sunday. They all returned here
03:24 predictably which means it's exactly the same team which won in the first leg. Right back Vladimir
03:30 Sofal is fit again but only makes the bench here. Only Aguerre and Socek of this team started the
03:37 match against Brentford. Most of them very well rested. There was a suspicion last Thursday they
03:43 were perhaps a tad tired from their exertions against Manchester United a few days prior to
03:50 that first leg. Robbie Savage is alongside me and they're gonna know they're away from home here.
03:56 West Ham. Yes certainly are looking forward to this one this evening. Ian you know West Ham for 60
04:01 minutes weren't that great but the last half hour really took control and that you know that second
04:07 goal from Antonio how important could that be this evening.
04:14 West Ham United in a change strip tonight all black.
04:34 Trying to reach a first European final since 1976. 47 years ago and they've got to go about it in a
04:43 professional manner. Will their approach to this game be a little different to the one last week
04:48 as Rijnders clears straight away. Smoke blowing and billowing around the arena. Socek trying to
04:57 help it on. Straight away Kerkhage the attacking left back was looking to get in on the action.
05:05 He's a class player as you were hearing in our preview before the match if you were watching
05:10 with Robin Van Persie giving him a bit of a rave review. Here he is on the ball now suspended last
05:15 week. He might make a bit of a difference down that left hand side this time. You see the rotation
05:21 in midfield in the first leg didn't we Ian from the AZ Alkmaar players. Mainan's taking up some
05:28 great position in between the lines and there he gets the ball again. Mainan's feeding it wide.
05:35 His van Breda road who played on the left last week on the right this time it's Rijnders and
05:40 an opportunity for the man who's returning to the side tonight. Carlsen straight away. They've won
05:46 all eight of their games in this competition here this season. They come into this bubbling
05:52 with confidence. They hit five in the first half of the weekend in the league against Emmen.
05:57 This opening phase crucial for West Ham to hold firm.
06:08 Carlsen to take it.
06:16 And then Classey trying a volley.
06:19 They were quite happy for AZ to have the ball
06:31 in the home game. West Ham you know they were allowing lots of room in that midfield area
06:38 that's going to be key as Joe was saying tonight. That midfield area can they deal
06:42 with the rotations you know Rijnders, Mainan's taking a great position so.
06:49 In behind here Carlsen big opportunity didn't get enough on it. Well they could have leveled
06:56 the tie right there. I think the assistance flag went up though Ian on the far side we'll see.
07:02 Yeah it's offside. It's a great delivery just stretching forward but
07:11 the West Ham back four held the line well.
07:13 Well this stadium is absolutely rocking thunderous soundtrack to the game but West
07:23 Ham they should be used to this. Remember West Ham haven't lost in the competition all this season.
07:29 It is a great record and there's no understating what it would mean
07:34 to them to reach a European final and well lift the trophy as well.
07:40 They did it in the cup winners cup way back in 1965 in the days of Bobby Moore
07:46 and Martin Peters and Jeff Hurst.
07:48 Classy interesting to see Su Gawada doing a bit of a John Stones the right back
08:02 tucking into a more central area and joining the attack when he can as well watch for that.
08:08 Goes back to right back when West Ham have the ball as they do here.
08:12 Chris Swalwell gonna make progress and then Ben Rava as well and West Ham will get the free kick.
08:18 We've seen Pavlidis also in that first game in dropping quite deep at times to receive the ball
08:26 but already we've seen him play much higher trying to threaten the back line.
08:32 You know it's Mayanand's position where you know Rice or Solchek have got a deal with him he takes
08:36 up some great positions.
08:38 Towards Mikel Antonio who's enjoyed this competition this year six goals
08:49 he's only one away from being top scorer in the whole thing.
08:57 I thought Ben Rama played well
09:02 in the first game his penalty was cool but I thought his old performance on the night
09:09 was very very good it's important that he can get a lot of the ball this evening.
09:13 Paquita and then Rice, Ben Rama
09:23 scored that vital equalizer from the penalty spot last week. West Ham have made a bit of a habit of
09:29 coming from behind and getting out of some tight corners in this competition. Mayanand's on the
09:34 ball again January signing this fella from Sparta Rotterdam he's done well since arriving.
09:39 There's a frenetic feel about this isn't there early on.
09:51 It's Jesper Karlsson again his first starting nine matches Karlsson.
09:55 Had a bit of a problem with the upper leg.
10:03 Kassi very much the orchestrator in midfield with this team alongside the
10:16 more energetic box-to-box player Reinders. You look at Kerkes's position we're in now
10:22 towards the centre forward position we've seen the highlights before the game of his runs.
10:26 Here's Reinders on the ball now. They have an eye-catching display in London last week.
10:45 Similar start to the game in London. He said out there having all the ball West Ham looking to
10:52 blend the counter-attack. We didn't see many occasions did we in that first half where a
10:58 West Ham player released himself to go put pressure on the ball high up. Kerkes gave the
11:03 ball away there West Ham looking to build and feed it through to Antonio. Here's Aaron Cresswell.
11:13 Now Saeed Benrahma dangerous looking ball in but no problems at all for the former
11:18 Brighton and Arsenal keeper Matt Ryan who did give away that penalty at a time when
11:23 it did look as if Alkmaar were in a quite comfortable position in the game last week.
11:30 in a quite comfortable position in the game last week
11:34 Berkema
11:55 he's looking to drop that ball in behind this time to Pavlidis but
11:58 it was well watched by Kurt Zouma.
12:00 David Moyes over a thousand games as a manager he's absolutely determined to
12:16 pick up this European trophy. He's got to a quarterfinal and a semifinal last year in Europe.
12:24 Socek
12:26 you can see the Arcos under a bit of pressure from Gerard Bowen.
12:32 I'm sure most of you don't need reminding but the old away goals rule and
12:50 the old away goals rule is not in application anymore.
12:56 Good come by Carson to Kerkes.
13:01 Again with the header.
13:09 Socek is desperate to reach the final not only from the footballing point of view but
13:18 it would mean going back to his old stadium at Slavia Prague to play at the same with.
13:22 Sophal is on the bench tonight.
13:24 What an occasion it would be for them but there's work to do.
13:32 Is Declan Rice could be if West Ham make that final it would be his farewell appearance for the club.
13:43 Bowen showing signs of settling here.
13:45 Keira.
13:47 Kept up by Bochum.
13:53 The only time West Ham haven't won in this competition this year was
14:03 a way to Gent in the last round they got a 1-1 draw.
14:05 Did the job back in London. Here's Ben Rama.
14:13 What wouldn't West Ham give to Sophali?
14:16 What wouldn't West Ham give to sneak a goal here to just jolt the club?
14:45 Just jolt the confidence of Alkmaar and give themselves a really handy cushion in this tie.
14:51 They have conceded a few here among their wins and the home games even had a 5-5 draw
14:57 this season at home against Utrecht.
14:59 Good work by Sugawara.
15:04 Mainenz have made a run towards the near post it will go off for a corner kick.
15:11 Yeah they've got a good start here at Alkmaar but they're not really threatened the West Ham goal.
15:41 Mainenz to swing in the corner kick.
15:43 McGare got something on it enough.
15:46 Carlsen towards the back post and will drift harmlessly out of play.
15:54 So that's a great ball into the box or you can ask for as a wide player is put the ball in the
16:03 pace it lands in the six yard box is a great delivery. Before he was injured Carlsen scored
16:13 three in three games. And he played havoc when Lazio came here and lost. Lazio going
16:22 particularly well this season in Serie A in Italy.
16:31 Birkenau won the header his club lead is the top scorer this season
16:38 and now the teenage winger van Breda.
16:48 Antonio won it well. Here's Rice. Ben Rama.
16:55 David Moyes asking for more from Saeed Ben Rama this season and
17:11 in more recent weeks he's begun to get it.
17:18 They thought it was going to be a long throw it wasn't. Cresswell.
17:27 Pakata. That was a very good pass by Ben Rama again here.
17:38 Cross goes behind to Gilles from the Dutch fans who are predictably noisy here.
17:45 They found themselves in a good position there West Ham. Solchek on the back post against Kerkes.
17:51 Big height difference if Ben Rama could have found a better cross.
17:55 On three occasions now Solchek has made a run into the box but the delivery's been poor.
18:04 It's Kerkes, Hungarian international.
18:15 Can Alkmaar hurt West Ham in the final third? We saw them keep the ball
18:32 last season. Last week I should say a lot like this without creating an awful lot of opportunities
18:39 in the game. That goal came from a long range shot which probably Areola should have done better with.
18:44 Here's Reinders.
18:50 Pavlidis.
18:59 Will be patient. Berkemaer.
19:03 Of course these two sides know each other that bit better this time.
19:12 It's a miscue that by Ben Rama. Pavlidis is going to chase it and Aguero
19:20 takes a good catch. I must say I thought
19:24 he said Alkmaar were looking to get a free kick there. I thought that Solchek put out an arm.
19:29 You see here on this replay. Now it's come off his shoulder.
19:36 Great minds. I think after 15 minutes I think David Moyes will be relatively happy.
19:52 You know as you've just said. They've had a lot of the ball. They've not threatened at all.
19:57 Rice to Ben Ramos. Very good at cutting inside and letting fly with right foot shots.
20:09 Baguettas back heel.
20:19 Here's Tilo Queira. He's been having a good run in that right back position lately.
20:24 This time popping the ball around nicely in the middle of the pitch and this opening phase of
20:44 the game has gone okay for them. No damage accrued. Still leading 2-1 on aggregate in this semi-final.
20:51 Played Basel or Fiorentina in the final. The Swiss side looking to be the first Swiss club
21:01 ever to reach a big European final. Here's Queira.
21:05 Bowen.
21:13 Queira's cross. Antonio is just beyond him. Bowen didn't really get hold of it.
21:19 Yeah good play from West Ham. Keeping the ball with a purpose and then the ball into the box.
21:26 The best defending. Bowen just couldn't get over the ball. Hits it into the ground.
21:34 But good play from West Ham to create that opportunity.
21:41 David Moyes is the only manager of an English club to come here and win
21:45 in European competition and that was back in 2007 with Everton. Mind you,
21:50 five other clubs have come here and got a draw and that's all West Ham need tonight.
21:54 Mainz.
21:59 You can see the manager of Ederhout Maal there. You know, we've got Mainz. He got in good space.
22:10 Got an half turn and then he wanted a switch of play.
22:13 West Ham lost it in midfield. It's come up here to the dangerous Carlsen.
22:20 Kyrgios. Found a room for a cross. Nobody taking a gamble for him on the near post.
22:30 [Cheering]
22:51 Gianni Randis picked up the ball in midfield and
22:55 is Sugawara. Japanese international. Right back who takes a few of the set pieces as well.
23:02 Very much a possession based style for Alkmaar under their London-born coach Pascal Janssen,
23:24 who's the son of a pop singer.
23:25 Here's Reinders.
23:48 West Ham quite happy I think for A.Z. Alkmaar to have the ball in that middle third of the pitch.
23:55 They'll look to break it up and break quickly on them when they can.
23:59 Yeah, they've got a good defensive shape West Ham.
24:02 In their own defensive third.
24:06 Get lots of shirts around the ball. Now this is the perfect opportunity on the counter attack.
24:14 Pak Katar. Good driving run from him. Things on here for West Ham United if they get it right.
24:19 Through towards Antonio but not quite into his path. So unlucky. Great driving run.
24:28 Yes, as you said, Antonio with a run. He just couldn't sort his feet out.
24:35 He had to play the pass that strong.
24:40 Michael Antonio who's now West Ham United's all-time leading scorer in
24:45 European games. He's up to nine now after that one last week. The winner.
24:48 Will it be the winner in the tie?
24:50 Carlsen inside.
24:54 Classy.
24:57 Alkmaar are more than patient.
25:08 Blank by Van Brode-Rode. Sugawara with the cross is too long for Pavlidis who
25:13 didn't get much of a sight of goal last week.
25:15 Yeah, I'm not sure why Booyan let that go out quite clean. He took a deflection off a West Ham player.
25:36 Milos Karpkes.
25:37 Let's see a downcast. They gave him a rare rest at the weekend.
25:42 Lee Gwynne. Berkema to bring it forward here. Pavlidis with the layoff to Milan's. Van Brode-Rode
25:52 with the cross and well Pavlidis was nearly on the end of something that time.
26:02 Here's one of those West Ham breaks. Pakita again. Well those two linking up or trying to. Pakita and
26:08 Antonio and again it wasn't quite right but you can see the threat that might pose.
26:14 The counter attack once again we've seen in the first game.
26:16 Hazel, Alkmaar 60 percent possession but West Ham look far more threatening when they break.
26:23 That's just two occasions there where Pakita just quite can't find Antonio.
26:31 But the game plan in the first game worked. The 2-1 win. Will it work tonight?
26:37 They're almost setting traps for Alkmaar West Ham here.
26:42 Not getting the home side at too much of a sight of their goal. Not yet anyway.
26:50 One or two chapters left to right in this. I mean it's a lovely ball that by Klasi to Pavlidis.
26:59 Between the lines it was one of the more penetrating balls they've played.
27:02 Aguer coming out from defense. The Moroccan.
27:09 Come from that squad that got to the World Cup semi-finals and well
27:14 enchanted every fan I think around the globe with that run.
27:19 So
27:22 Antonio showed well for that.
27:33 Pakita looks like he might be one of his real going days today. The Brazilian so much talent.
27:44 So
27:51 Bowen. Robbed. Kerkes tried to lead a break. Bowen stopped him. The referee is not going to administer
28:01 a yellow card for it. They're having an argument about that. I mean having an argument about well
28:06 why didn't you just have a an advantage as well. Yeah the referee blew his whistle. There was a
28:12 rolling ball correctness from the referee. It was a foul. Let's just see. The referee said the ball was rolling.
28:21 Technically he's right isn't he of course. Pavlidis looked to turn on that one cross.
28:29 They were able to make an important interception before that could reach young Van Vrede.
28:34 Roda on that side. Antonio was strong there. One, two, three, four players joining in the attack here for West Ham.
28:44 Pakita is one of those. On to that good left footer. He's looking to bet one. Oh off the outside of the post and away.
28:50 West Ham close to a precious goal. Brilliant centre forward play from Antonio. Dropping deep.
28:56 Using his strength. Look at that fantastic play and then he drives and then West Ham break.
29:03 Pakita just gets inside on his left foot. He's so unlucky there. Just quite not enough curl on it.
29:11 Good play from West Ham United. But Antonio's Robbie Van Persie was saying before the game.
29:19 You know when West Ham have comfortable possession deep he can drop in as a tenor. He can be the
29:25 holder player but then he can you know use his pace and burst forward. He can also play on the last
29:32 line of defenders. Great centre forward play.
29:35 Is West Ham carrying the threat even though Alkmaar have the lion's share of the possession?
29:45 It's Kerkes. West Ham have won more games in Europe this season than they have in the Premier League.
29:54 12 to 10 if you want the figures.
29:57 Away by Aguerre.
30:01 Bergkamp.
30:20 Rampredo Roda. Only 19.
30:24 Having a good run in the side at the moment.
30:29 Bowen, well if that was on. If he'd lifted that in behind for Antonio.
30:35 Yeah it's a great opportunity. Lots of space in behind.
30:39 Carlsen. A bit of a backheel. Bowen dispossessed by Kerkes. You've got a cross away as well.
30:49 Could be danger here and Aguerre hacks it away. But West Ham United just lost
30:54 concentration for a moment and that's all it might take in a tie like this.
30:59 They've shut off spaces well so far this evening. West Ham
31:09 in their own defensive third filling gaps doing it very well.
31:14 I think one thing about Alkmaar is they're not going to be intimidated by the task in front of
31:17 them. In the last round they were two down to Anderlecht for the second game.
31:22 Pulled it round in the first few minutes of that one and won it on penalties here.
31:39 Rinders. Not accurate. Not like him from what we've seen over the last one and a half games.
31:57 Antonio. Lovely turn.
32:06 Inside by Kerer. It's a pretty good performance so far this from West Ham United.
32:12 Can they get the payoff with a goal? Benrahma.
32:14 Rice. Good ball. Benrahma. Invitation to shoot and doesn't keep it down. He had a lot of room there.
32:26 Good player once again West Ham. Patient. I think David Moyes will be happy but Benrahma
32:35 he's got so much time. Goes for power.
33:03 So far the tactics proving spot on for West Ham.
33:06 Bergkamp looking for a long diagonal ball for Pavlidis.
33:12 Zouma wins it in the air. Dropping here for Carlsson.
33:25 Gonna get a little bit frustrated now. Hazard out my playing long balls to Pavlidis.
33:31 Danny Ings there. One of those waiting in reserve.
33:39 Scored a vital goal away from home against Kent in the last round.
33:50 Mainz on the header. Rondreda Roda. Rice's challenge was a really good one.
33:57 Wonderful. Rondreda Roda stays down on the floor. Great tackle.
34:02 From that moment summed up West Ham's mood. I think they have been hardened by what happened to them
34:13 last season. The near miss in Europe. They want to put it right here. I think that's showing in
34:19 their early display.
34:21 Good battle between him and Kerkash.
34:45 Then we get Saturday. We've got Tottenham against Brentford for you. Saturday lunchtime in our usual
34:50 slot. And we'll have the final day of the season. Action and drama aplenty from 3.30 on BT Sport.
34:57 One and ultimate on the 28th of May with that. And don't forget the Champions League final.
35:03 Manchester City against Inter on the 10th of June. And we're on the air at six o'clock
35:08 that night. And it's only live on BT Sport.
35:12 Grinders.
35:23 Haven't really made a dent in West Ham yet.
35:30 Weintell that Hammers defence keeps its concentration and shape.
35:37 Carson looks a bit more lively and dangerous than most.
35:40 A whole posse of red shirts waiting for something. Klasey from long range. Another
35:48 block by Kurt Zouma.
35:49 Have Alkmaar got anything different Robbie?
36:03 I'm not sure they have Ian. You know they haven't got the pacing behind. You know they
36:08 resorted to a few long balls to Pavlidis looking for seconds. But you know maybe Kerkash on his
36:16 left foot. Does get a cross away again. Pretty good at finding a half a yard to do exactly that
36:22 without actually having to beat his man on that side.
36:31 I think the pleasing thing for David Moyes is that you know in that first game they were
36:36 keeping the ball. They were not getting close to Alkmaar players. But this evening they've
36:41 filled spaces well. They've got up close. The distances defensively have been very very good.
36:49 Poor ball out. It's given a sniff of something here to Alkmaar. Carson again.
37:01 Thought about this shot. Klasey's tried a couple. Van Breda wrote that.
37:05 Carson looking for a volley. Socek got the block in. Reinders again from long range. This time
37:13 Zouma's in the way and the flag goes up. But again we've seen in the first game when Socek
37:20 didn't close the ball down which led to the goal. Look how close a West Ham shirt is to a red shirt
37:26 this evening. Much better shape. Much better distances defensively. I think David Moyes
37:33 32 minutes gone will be relatively happy with this performance so far.
37:37 Great view down the stadium here. A lot of the West Ham fans we bumped into earlier on.
37:45 Nervy. All doing that cross arm salute like the Hammers badge to each other.
37:53 Antonio to play it inside. Socek to pull it back and well grabbed that by Ryan.
37:58 Last week was the first time Ryan had lost
38:03 against West Ham. It never happened when he was Brighton's goalkeeper.
38:09 Socek.
38:11 Still on a bit of a knife edge this.
38:25 West Ham have come closest though.
38:38 Shot from Pakata which hit the post.
38:41 Same towards Carlsen but not accurately enough and the German international
38:53 Kehre got it away. Hit the referee. He's going to have to stop the game.
38:56 But again resorting to a long ball. We've not seen the runs of Kirkesh
39:01 you know in that inside channel when Carlsen stays wide.
39:07 I'm not sure how they can change it you know. Here Robby Manpursi at half time.
39:11 You know how would Rene Zedd out my side change their philosophy.
39:18 Need the gold you know would they bring another striker on.
39:22 Some of the nervous Hammers fans. I'm sure there are more than 700 who found a way to be here.
39:30 Of course at the moment the ticket allocation for the final is only
39:33 5,000 for each of the two clubs which is a bit ridiculous.
39:38 Because it's in a stadium holding only 20,000. Lovely work again here by Pakata.
39:42 Benrahma's little layoff to him. He's been important in midfield but
39:46 robbed that time. Pakata who stays down.
39:48 Now then will they put some pace into the attack here. Classy to get it wide.
39:53 That's really good play again by Kehre.
39:56 Initially was great play from Pakata riding several challenges.
40:02 Great skill. I've got to say that's a foul from Classy.
40:08 No intention to play the ball. Yes he may be overrun it a little bit.
40:13 Fiorentina have levelled in the other semi-final.
40:26 They lead Basel on the night by a goal to nil. That's 2-2 on aggregate in that one.
40:31 Keep you up to date with any developments in that other game.
40:41 But of course all English attention very much on this one.
40:46 Particularly if you're of a Clareton Blue West Ham persuasion.
40:58 Good part of the East End of London on tenterhooks I can imagine.
41:01 Sugewara gets the cross away. Blocked by Rice.
41:24 Meynons is going to in swing another corner here.
41:30 Wasn't a very good one.
41:48 Reinders.
41:56 Carson again 10 goals he's got this season.
42:10 He's got the goals that beat Lazio 2-1. Classy with a clever looking ball.
42:17 And Carson looking to create something. He was quick. Silva there.
42:21 And that was probably one of the best things Eyser Altmaier have done so far.
42:25 I think the ball just might have gone out of play though Ian.
42:29 You see here on that first touch. Yeah I think it was just out.
42:37 System flag goes up on the far side.
42:40 Yeah that one would have gone to the VAR wouldn't it? But of course academic in the end.
42:52 Zouma to get it away. West Ham United clinging to their 2-1 advantage from last Thursday.
43:06 I think West Ham have been very good. Disciplined defensively. Good shape about the team.
43:11 Looked good on the counter-attack. Hit the outside of the post.
43:16 And on the quiet and the crowd down Ian as well. We heard the atmosphere before the game.
43:23 Not as loud now but we know goal can change things.
43:32 And here's the man who looks most likely to be at the heart of anything.
43:36 Eyser Altmaier do come up with Jesper Carlsson.
43:39 Altmaier have only won twice in 15 attempts against English clubs. One of those was in
43:46 one of the legs of the UEFA Cup final of 1981. They beat Ipswich 4-2 here.
43:51 Wasn't enough though because they lost 3-0 at Portman Road.
43:54 Ipswich won the UEFA Cup. Great year for that club of course being promoted from League One.
44:01 Newcastle were the other team to be beaten by Altmaier.
44:05 And it's Berkemaer.
44:17 Pavlidis with a good take on the half turn there.
44:23 Good tackle from Solcek getting back.
44:28 Kirkesch.
44:29 Got the crossway, Meiners with the ball in and Breida Roda.
44:33 Danger here. Carlsson again and Sugawara's effort deflected behind for a corner while the threat is starting to grow.
44:43 Yes it certainly is but again good blocks from West Ham players.
44:54 Just starting to produce a little more invention in their attacking work here. The Dutch side.
45:06 Nearly half time as well, five minutes away.
45:12 Another corner, that's a better one and well grabbed it was in the end by
45:18 Alphonse Saliola who is very much the cup keeper for West Ham ahead of Lukasz Fabianski.
45:25 Great turn there, that's a tackle from Solcek.
45:29 There goes Bowen.
45:39 Berkemaer to get it away.
45:43 Semi-final, two years running in Europe for West Ham. They're really getting a taste for this but
45:50 the only way they'll be in Europe next season is if they win this competition which will
45:54 put them into next season's Europa League. That's quite a prize for a team who are lying 15th in the
45:59 Premier League.
46:00 And the only way they'll be in Europe next season is if they win this competition which will
46:06 put them into next season's Europa League. That's quite a prize for a team who are lying 15th in the
46:12 Premier League. Still not mathematically certain of staying up but they only need one more point or
46:18 others to drop points which does seem quite likely.
46:23 Can they lead Leicester in their remaining games to the relegation contenders?
46:31 I'm sure Sam Allardyce and Leeds who go to the London Stadium on Sunday are hoping West Ham
46:39 are involved in extra time tonight.
46:42 Reinders.
46:53 Can they find the right kind of ball? The Londoners have made a little run in behind there. He wasn't
47:03 quite found though and here comes another break and it's always at the heart of it. Lucas Paquetel.
47:09 This time dispossessed but he was strong. Won it back again against the odds maybe and Ben Rama
47:15 takes on Reinders, gets to the byline, pulls it back towards Bowen. Antonio's picked it up
47:21 and then Paquetel's effort is well not one he'll be that proud of. It looks such a threat Paquetel,
47:29 Ben Rama, Antonio. Great strength, great recovery from Paquetel.
47:35 Ben Rama is showing great pace, just couldn't find a West Ham shirt on the pullback but once again
47:42 counter attacking football at its best. West Ham that's four occasions now
47:47 they've won the ball back and broke so quickly.
47:51 Paquetel's proving a key figure in the game so far. He was knocked out of the competition by West
48:01 Ham last season with Lyon and that was in the Europa League.
48:05 Carlsen.
48:14 Come on, come on.
48:15 The half-time staging post close for West Ham United with their lead in the tie still intact.
48:41 To see Diakos who actually came through the very good academy that Alkmaar had although he's a Greek international.
49:00 About half the score home produced when it has to be.
49:09 Classy to feed it wide again. Carlsen
49:12 wants to do that come inside and then let fly with his right foot.
49:18 See why they're in a hurry to get him fit for this game.
49:28 For this game.
49:30 And that is half time. David Moyes goes in pretty pleased I would think with the way West Ham have
49:50 performed in that first half. Paquetel hit the post. West Ham always look dangerous in breaks
49:55 and they contained Az Alkmaar pretty well for the most part in the first half. There were a couple of
50:01 danger moments as half time approached. It's still on a bit of a knife edge but West Ham still have
50:07 their precious advantage from last Thursday. 0-0 at half time on the night. West Ham still 2-1 up and at the moment