Feyenoord all-square in Helden Cup opener
Feyenoord and Arminia Bielefeld cancelled each other out in Kufstein on Tuesday. The opening game in the Helden Cup finished goalless.
The result was a fair one. The Germans, who secured promotion to the Bundesliga last season as champions of the second tier, were the stronger side in the first half, with Feyenoord taking more control after the break. But with chances at a premium, neither side could find the breakthrough.
Dick Advocaat did have more players available for selection compared with last Saturday in the Cup of Traditions, with Bart Nieuwkoop and Marcos Senesi both back in contention. The Argentine played for 45 minutes and made a calm and steady impression in his regular position in the heart of the defence.
Otherwise, Advocaat had little to cheer in the first half, as Feyenoord failed to threaten the Arminia Bielefeld goal. Advocaat made his dissatisfaction known in the opening stages, shouting instructions from the touchline on a number of occasions.
Feyenoord took the bull by the horns in the second half, although big chances were still few and far between. Luciano Narsingh did have a great opportunity to seal it for his side in the final few minutes, when he was put through with just the keeper to beat. Bryan Linssen and Róbert Bozeník were passing options, but the speedy striker chose to shoot and his effort was blocked by the keeper.
That was the last chance for Feyenoord to start the tournament with a bonus-point win. The Helden Cup continues on Wednesday with Hamburger SV taking on VfB Stuttgart. Feyenoord return to action on Friday against Hamburger SV. Kick-off time is 16:00 CET and the match will be screened on FOX Sports in the Netherlands.