Friendly Reports
Loads and loads of friendly reports and number 17s getting on the pitch today so let's start in Serbia where they took on Cameroon in a cracking 4-3 win (which bodes well for the world cup). Mohamadou Idrissou was a late substitute, however pureblood 17 Miloš Krasić not only scored the opener for Serbia, but also provided a nonchalant backheel assist for their second.
Both Angelo Palombo and Reto Ziegler played in Italy's bore draw with Switzerland. Palombo was involved in the build up for the Italian goal, playing a free kick out wide to Gianluca Zambrotta. Marek Hamšík played the first half in Slovakia's farewell 3-0 win against Costa Rica in Bratislava and came close to getting on the scoresheet with a decent chance towards the end of the first half.
Other players who got on were Mikkel Beckmann who made a substitute appearance in Denmark's 1-0 defeat to South Africa, Nikita Rukavytsya was also a late substitute in Australia's match against the USA, making his presence felt with a fierce drive late on in the game. Adelene Guedioura played in Algeria's insipid 1-0 win over UAE, which was eventually won with one of the dodgiest penalties I've seen.
There was good news for one of the new breed 17s though. Eljero Elia came on as a substitute for Netherlands against Hungary and scored an absolutely cracking fifth goal in a 6-1 win - his first in an international shirt. He sprinted past his marker on the left wing, before beating two men on the edge of the box and posting it through the legs of another defender low into the far corner of the goal (see video above). Most satisfying was the crashing ping as the ball hits the back of the net. I am very much looking forward to him strutting his stuff on the scene in South Africa, and later that night he boasted on his twitter account that he had acquired 2000 more followers since the goal. 17tilidie can confirm they were one of them. Elia, you have been blessed by 17.
A17idore causes trouble in paradise
Bad news all round for Jozy Altidore yesterday, not that you'd be able to tell via his twitter account . Firstly he didn't get on to play against Australia and this is reported to be due to a sprained ankle. If so, get well soon Jozy because we will need you for this world cup! However, Jozy has left a legacy at Hull that just keeps on giving. The Hull and East Riding Mail report that Jozy was caught both speeding and driving Daniel Cousin's car without insurance through Hull City Centre last September. On being handing a paltry £3,500 fine, his excuse was that he had a US liscense and Spanish insurance and felt this would cover him. Upon receiving the fine his lawyer had the gu17y to say "His income is a footballers' income. He will have no problem paying any fine." Still, he was only just speeding - 37mph and 40mph. If you want some better news about out Jozy, this interview is a good read.
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