U17 Amsterdam Tour Diary Day 6
After gathering at De Toekemst the team finally moved from the homes of the foster families into the Huis ter Duin Hotel.
The hotel staff welcomed the boys to the hotel which also hosted the Dutch national team and Ajax Amsterdam in the past.
The players enjoyed tea and snacks before a walk to the nearby beach.
A casual stroll down the beach and back up to the hotel loosened the legs. The squad returned to De Toekomst for an insightful address on nutrition led by Ajax Amsterdam’s in-house dietician Jacqueline.
Soon it was time to prepare for the game against Almere City and the squad attended a video analysis session followed by the pre-match meal. The players boarded their transport for a trip to Almere.
Almere has a population of around 250,000 and the main facility in the area boasts ten pitches and a stadium with a capacity of 5 000. Almere City FC is the most recent team to gain professional status into the Second Divison in the Netherlands.
At the stadium the line-up for the friendly was announced and it was noted that Almere City had recently defeated Ajax Amsterdam in a knock-out competition.
Ajax settled early, the players were comfortable on the ball; controlling most of the possession in the first half and winning the ball back quickly. The players seemed to have settled in their new environment and this showed on the field of play.
The overall play improved since the last game; however the play in the final third did not match the build-up. Justin Jacobus was unfortunate to see his goal-bound shot hit the crossbar and the teams went into the break without a goal registered on the scoreboard.
The coach made changes ahead of the second half and the game opened up as both sides went in search of a goal.
Sebastian Bailey, the Ajax goalkeeper was on fine form, he made two excellent saves in the second half. At the other end of the field the Ajax strikers had a number of attempts at goal from long range but their shots never really tested the Almere City keeper and the evening ended in a 0-0 draw.
The players thanked their hosts before making the trip back to their hotel for a good nights rest ahead of the countdown for the 2012 Aegon Future Cup.
Photo's: Ajax.nl/Louis van de Vuurst
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