The miracle is becoming more unlikely for KV Oostende by the week. Standard put three in by the sea before minute 20 on Saturday evening, which was ultimately enough for a simple victory (1-3). Especially when Urhoghide was allowed to take a shower on the hour after an attack on Zinckernagel. The Rouches come next to Club Brugge, while KVO can almost be condemned on Sunday, provided Eupen wins.
The match against the Rouches was one for KV Oostende must win. And a chance for a golden case, because Zulte Waregem and Kortrijk had both lost and Eupen will meet Anderlecht on Sunday. But it was actually over before they had even kicked a ball by the sea. Standard immediately took the initiative and scored twice within ten minutes. First a monumental blunder happened to Hubert – he completely misjudged the high ball (0-1). And Ohio left Rodin on the spot two minutes later, to then put the ball nicely in the corner past the goalkeeper. Ten minutes played, zero against two. Ndicka should have even dropped a ball off the line. KV Oostende did not play at the level of a relegation candidate, but as a provincial. Very painful.
Nonchalance
Before the Kustboys woke up, there had to be a third in the basket. On a corner, Hornby headed the ball himself through, to give Fossey the 0-3 from close range. Then we were 19 minutes away. Game played, one thinks. But surprisingly Ostend came up with a reaction. Standard suddenly linked nonchalance to arrogance due to that large lead, and before the break Arase was able to soften after a good action from Ndicka on the left. There was another spark in the team. But really still passionately believe in a point? That remained difficult.
Thalhammer brought in D’Arpino and Atanga after the break, a kind of desperation move. Standard leaned back calmly, Oostende put pressure on and tried to force a quick second goal. But it shot itself in the foot on the hour. The fuses went through at Urhoghide, who torpedoed Zinckernagel’s ankles around the center circle. A real attack. Ref Van Damme firmly reached for the back pocket and showed a red card. At KVO there was hardly any protest. Players who rolled their eyes and clearly wondered why that was necessary: there were plenty of them. Now the books could go completely. (read more under photo)
Urhoghide got red after an attack on Zinckernagel.
Photo: BELGIAN
Sunday party in Eupen?
While Urhoghide was in the shower, the game quietly continued. And we even saw the first home fans leave the stadium or grab a pint in the cafeteria. Keep looking, why should they? Against ten men, Standard even decided not to push through, except for a few counters. Donnum still flamed into the side net, and Perica also had a big chance just for Hubert. Davida’s 1-4 in stoppage time was ruled out for offside after a VAR intervention. But the victory was long overdue.
If Eupen wins against Anderlecht on Sunday, the three relegated players are 90 percent certain, because then the gap with three match days to go is no less than six points. KV Oostende is in 1B with one and a half legs.
