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MATCH REPORT: UDI ’19 vs Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands ended their friendly tour of Holland with a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to UDI ’19 in an entertaining game in Uden.

Two terrific first half goals, the first from Solomons’ striker Benjamin Totori, and the equaliser from Raoul Oomen, preceded a second half in which the Solomons dominated but couldn’t find a winner.

It was the first time the Solomons drew a match in Holland, following four wins and two defeats since arriving in Europe.

Totori scored a superb goal to put his team ahead in Uden. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

UDI started the game strongest, and should have taken the lead but striker Sam Wassenburg’s header was straight at goalkeeper Philip Mango.

The home team edged closer to an opening goal, as the impressive Roald van Hout headed and volleyed over on seperate occasions, while also having a low shot saved by Mango at his near post.

The Solomons capitalised on their opponent’s wastefulness, when Totori demonstrated terrific skill to dribble through the UDI defence and angle a powerful shot past keeper Nick van der Horst.

Nearly five minutes later, the scores were level, as midfielder Oomen timed a perfect volley from outside the box, which zoomed under Mango who couldn’t halt the powerful effort.

In a friendly game shortened to 70 minutes due to the intense heat, the first half finished 1-1 after 35 minutes.

In the second period, Totori went close twice, from a fierce strike that flew marginally wide, and later from an effort which was miraculously saved by van der Horst low to his right.

Joses Nawo runs with the ball in midfield. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

Wim Rijsbergen’s side were also perhaps unlucky to not have a penalty, after Joses Nawo was prevented from shooting inside the box.

The Solomons – keen to finish their tour with a win – made an impressive late charge, but were denied first through Gagame Feni’s blocked shot following a terrific move, and then Totori who struck the crossbar from long-range.

Dennis Ifunaoa also went close, but the winger’s shot was well saved by van der Horst, before full-back John Aeta had the game’s final effort- a speculative drive which was comfortably dealt with by the UDI goalkeeper.

It was the last game for the Solomons before their long trip to Singapore, who they play in Kallang, as final preparations get underway before this summer’s Pacific Games.

UDI ’19: 21. van der Horst, 2. Koca, 5. Smits, 6. van Lankveld, 7. van Geelkerken, 9. Wassenberg, 10. van Hout, 11. Oomen, 15. Kerkhof, 18. Verhoeven, 22. Hofmeijer.

Substitutes: 31. S. Verhoeven, 3. Willems, 19. Toonen, 20. Heijmans, 23. de Klijn, 24. Meulink.

Solomon Islands: 1.Mango, 2. Aengari, 3. Peter, 4. Pride, 8. Taroga, 9. Totori, 10. Donga, 11. Feni, 13. Aeta, 14. Nawo, 18. Laete.

Substitutes: N/A Maerasia, 6. Rarangia, 7. Kaua, 16. Poila, 17. Ifunaoa.

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MATCH REPORT: RCL Leiderdorp vs Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands suffered a frustrating defeat in their penultimate game on Dutch soil, losing 3-2 to RCL Leiderdorp, despite creating plenty of opportunities.

Wim Rijsbergen’s men recovered from conceding the opening goal to eventually lead in the second half after Gagame Feni’s two strikes.

Kai Vijlbrief, a substitute for the home team, swung the game back in his side’s favour with two smart finishes to seal victory, as the Solomons failed to make the most of their dangerous attacks.

Both sides began the match brightly, although the Solomons looked the most exciting going forward, but Benjamin Totori, Dennis Ifunaoa and the impressive Feni all couldn’t convert chances after good build-up play.

Jerry Donga started the match for Wim Rijsbergen’s team. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

After half an hour played, RCL pounced and took the lead when striker Remy Libbenga took the ball past goalkeeper Timothy Maerasia and slotted in confidently.

Just moments later, the forward could have put his team further in front, but somehow, he fired over from close range.

Shortly before half-time, the Solomons got the goal they deserved, when Feni rounded the keeper himself, before scoring for the second game running.

Gagame Feni scored twice for the second successive match. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

After the break, Feni gave the Solomons the advantage they deserved, dispatching a terrific shot low into the corner.

With the Solomons keeping possession well, there seemed to be no threat of an RCL equaliser, but it arrived only five minutes later following an electric counter attack which was well finished by Vijlbrief.

Rijsbergen’s side – no strangers to mounting comebacks so far this tour – peppered the RCL goal, but were unable to find the net, despite constant efforts from Totori and Feni.

Kaua missed the best opportunity of the match following a quick break, but couldn’t control his finish after Totori’s set-up, despite the goal being wide open.

Ifunaoa was millimetres away from a goal too, clipping the post after Atkin Kaua’s smart free kick was played short.

RCL capitalised again on their opponent’s lack of clinical finishing and took the lead with seven minutes remaining when Vijlbrief collected a loose ball inside the box to power in the winner.

The Solomons’ final flurry was not enough in the end, as Feni shot over the bar in what was a disappointing result from the Solomons in front of goal.

RCL Leiderdorp: 1. Beij, 2. de Kroon, 19. Blijleven, 4. Slotje, 5. de Boer, 10. van Bemmel, 6. S. Overduin, 8. Schouten, 7. Libbenga, 11. Brasker, 9. Wijnalda.

Substitutes: 17. Nonkes, 16. de Ridder, 14. L. Overduin, 12. Vrijbrief, 13. de Groot, 15. Glasbeek.

Solomon Islands: 12. Maerasia, 16. Poila, 3. Peter, 6. Rarangia, 4. Pride, 7. Kaua, 10. Donga, 11. Feni, 17. Ifunaoa, 18. Laete, 9. Totori.

Substitutes: 1. Mango, 21. Tutu, 2. Aengari, 5. Boso, 8. Taroga, 13. Aeta, 14. Nawo.

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MATCH REPORT: J.E.K.A vs Solomon Islands

Gagame Feni inspired the Solomon Islands to a fourth consecutive victory on tour in Holland, scoring two goals against Jeka in Breda, in a 1-3 win for Wim Rijsbergen’s team.

For the third time in a week, the side recovered from conceding the opening goal to beat their opponents, as they did against BSC and Amsterdamsche.

Joses Nawo grabbed the other goal for the Solomons in what was a lively atmosphere at the Sportcomplex Tussen de Leijen.

Nawo is the team’s top goalscorer in Holland, taking his tally to four in Breda. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

It was a slow start to the game, with both sides struggling to create any clear opportunities.

Jeka forward Wisse Bos changed the tone midway through the first half, lofting a beautiful effort past goalkeeper Desmond Tutu into the top corner.

The lead vanished one minute later when Raynick Laete danced through the Jeka backline before teeing up Feni at the near post, who netted his first goal in Europe.

Nawo and Feni were key for the Solomons in attack, both threatening to put their team ahead before the break, but there score remained 1-1 at the interval.

Nawo missed two presentable opportunities, firing over the bar with each attempt when he perhaps should have done better.

Feni missed the Solomons’ best opportunity of the second half, when his strike was brilliant pushed away by home goalkeeper Dennis van Duin.

Jerry Donga challenges for the ball in midfield. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

With Dennis Ifunaoa and Atkin Kaua brought on to give the Solomons a much-needed boost, their second goal finally arrived on the hour mark, courtesy of Feni’s brilliant run and finish.

Ten minutes later, Nawo collected Ifunaoa’s cross to earn his fourth goal of the tour, after a delightful move which started from Kaua’s perfectly weighted pass.

Striker Benjamin Totori was close to converting too, but he failed to score the Solomons’ fourth of the game as his shot trickled wide of the post after another strong run from Feni.

Next up for the Solomons is a trip to RCL Leiden, before they end their Dutch adventure against UDI ’19.

r.k.v.v Jeka: 1. van Duin, 2. Melis, 3. Schuurink, 4. Haagh, 5. Noya, 6. Feskens, 7. T. Vogels, 8. Vereecken, 9. S. Vogels, 10. M. Notenboom, 11. Bos.

Substitutes: 12. J. Notenboom, 14. Schalks, 15. Dijkstra, 16. Klees, 17. van Schendel, 18. Philippart, 19. de Groot, 20. Dillisse.

Solomon Islands: 1. Tutu, 2. Aengari, 3. Peter, 4. Rarangia, 13. Aeta, 8. Taroga, 10. Donga, 11. Feni, 9. Totori, 18. Laete, 14. Nawo.

 Substitutes: N/A. Mango, N/A. Maerasia, 7. Kaua, 4. Pride, 16. Poila, 17. Ifunaoa.

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MATCH REPORT: Amsterdamsche vs Solomon Islands

Joses Nawo and Benjamin Totori scored for the Solomon Islands who claimed a stunning 3-2 victory away to Amsterdamsche in a crazy game at the Sportpark Goed Genoeg.

All five goals occurred in the first half, including three in as many minutes, as the Solomons’ preserved their lead in the second period to hang on for a special result in the Dutch capital.

AFC manager Ulrich Landvreugd – once an Ajax youth player coached by opposition boss Wim Rijsbergen – had just won the Dutch third tier trophy with AFC, crowning the team as Holland’s best amateur club.

Hadis Aengari battles hard in defence for the Solomon Islands who prevented a second half comeback. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

Yet, Landvreugd couldn’t defeat his former trainer on this occasion, in an almost perfect day for the visitors who suffered one unfortunate setback when Alwin Hou departed at half-time due to injury.

AFC striker Raily Ignacio gave the hosts an early lead, poking past goalkeeper Philip Mango after Tom van der Brink’s precise cross.

Both sides looked threatening in a close opening period, as the Solomons created chances of their own through Alwin Hou and captain Totori.

The equalising goal arrived in stunning fashion on 25 minutes, as Nawo set himself outside the box before powering a terrific strike into the top corner beyond keeper Joey Potveer.

Only a minute later, Rijsbergen’s team went ahead, as Totori fired in his side’s second after showing some neat footwork inside the area.

The match was a physical contest for both sets of players. Photo: Nathaniel Holland.

Moments after, the score was equal again, thanks to Vincent Weijl who bundled in after Mango was unable to claim a loose ball inside the area.

Nawo provided another perfect response, however, finishing confidently from close range to end the half with the Solomons in charge, although they suffered a minor setback when Hou withdrew following a collision with Majid Jansen

After the break, the visitors resisted AFC’s best efforts to change the game once again, after Landvreugd brought on five new players.

The score line could have been more attractive for the guests, but substitute keeper Dean Huisman did well to deny Atkin Kaua’s shot from close range.

Matthijs Jesse was closest to snatching a draw for AFC, but his header thundered off the crossbar on 80 minutes, as the Solomons’ defended excellently to hold on.

The result marks the Solomons’ third consecutive win in Holland, in which they have scored three goals in each victory.

Amsterdam FC: 39. Potveer, 23. van der Houten, 15. Jansen, 12. Maatsen, 5. Kwee, 17. van Hezel, 20. Teijsse, N/A. Djuric, 19. Weijl, 9. Ignacio, 14. van der Brink.

Substitutes: 11. Grootman, 10. Teijsse, 21. Belarbi, 24. Huisman, 8. Hoek, 27. Claver, 6. Kulhan, 7. Jesse.

Solomon Islands: 1. Mango, 2. Aengari, 4. Pride, 5. Boso, 7. Kaua, 9. Totori, 10. Donga, 14. Nawo, 15. Hou, 16. Poila, 19. Abba.

Substitutes: 11. Feni, 12. Maerasia, 3. Peter, 13. Aeta, 6. Rarangia, 18. Laete, 8. Taroga, 21. Tutu.

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MATCH REPORT: RKSV BSC vs Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands made it two wins in as many days with a 3-1 victory over Vierde Klasse side RKSV BSC Roosendaal.

After falling to an early goal by Matteo Castro, young striker Raynick Laete bundled the ball over the line from close range to draw the national team level before half time. Striker Andrew Abba came on at half time and quickly put the visitors ahead before another substitute Dennis Ifunaoa rounded off the scoring to seal the victory.

Wim Rijsbergen’s men looked comfortable from the start with Gagame Feni making some space inside the area before firing a low shot that the home goalkeeper blocked at the near post with his legs.

Ilias Bouas in the home goal was doing well to keep his side in the game as he again was on hand to deny Feni.

But against the run of play, BSC were able to take the lead when they broke away in attack and after some neat build up play the ball fell to Castro who rocketed a shot into the corner of the net past Timothy Maesaria.

BSC made plenty of changes throughout the game with the first bunch of players rotating after just 20 minutes.

The visitors continued to keep the ball and create chances in attack but the goal was proving difficult to find as Benjamin Totori and Atkin Kaua both had chances saved by Bouas.

Rijsbergen’s side did draw level ten minutes from the break when Totori picked up the ball outside of the area, breezed past three defenders before rolling the ball past the goalkeeper and his strike partner Laete was on hand to make sure the ball rolled over the line for 1-1.

With the scores level at the break, Solomon Islands made two changes as Totori and Kaua were replaced by Abba and Jerry Donga. It didn’t take long for Abba to get himself on the score sheet when Feni played a long pass for the striker to chase and he did well to outpace the defender and rifle the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

The visitors were enjoying a lot of possession and displaying some fancy footwork, but the third goal was proving hard to come by. Abba did well to work some space before firing one over the bar. Feni also showed some deft touches to beat his defender but his low drilled cross was cleared by the defenders.

Donga went close to getting his first goal of the tour but he was denied by a great fingertips save from the goalkeeper.

The hosts were struggling to mount any kind of attack and the Solomon side continued to press and look for another goal, and it came ten minutes from the end when Ifunaoa broke through the defence and kept his composure against the goalkeeper to slot the ball into the corner of the net for 3-1.

Abba had a chance saved late in the game but the score was to finish 3-1 to give Rijsbergen two wins from his opening three games of the tour. The side can now relax and recover ahead of Tuesday’s game with Tweede Divisie champions Amsterdamsche FC.

Line Ups – Solomon Islands: 12. Timothy Maesaria; 2. Hadis Aengari; 4. Boni Pride; 6. Andrew Rarangia; 7. Atkin Kaua (10. Jerry Donga, 46); 8. Patrick Taroga; 9. Benjamin Totori (19. Andrew Abba, 46); 11. Gagame Feni; 13. John Aeta; 18. Raynick Laete.

Nathaniel Holland

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MATCH REPORT: VOAB vs Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands national team picked up their first Netherlands tour victory as they comfortably defeated VOAB 3-1.

It was an important task for the side to bounce back after their previous 1-0 defeat to ADO ’20, with Wim Rijsbergen making several changes to the starting eleven.

Andrew Abba, Desmond Tutu, Andrew Rarangia, Dennis Ifunaoa and Michael Boso were all given starts as the Solomon Islands aimed to pick up their first victory on European soil.

Joses Nawo scored the first goal of the game and for the European tour for the Solomon Islands

The home side started brightly as Tutu was forced into action early to make a last minute tackle in the second minute.

But it was the Solomon Islands who dealt the first blow of the game as Joses Nawo fired in a powerful strike in the eighth minute, goalkeeper Nik van Kasteren managed to keep out the first effort from Benjamin Totori but couldn’t prevent Nawo’s rebound.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to answer back with a goal of their own as Pieter van der Heijden rose to beat Tutu with a powerful close range header in the 19th minute and drawing the teams level.

V.O.A.B took control of the game and almost fired in another close shot, this time it was Casper van Beers whose free kick curled just wide of the Solomon Islands’ goal in the 22nd minute.

The away side managed to muster a sudden counter attack as Nawo was once again given the chance to score, he did well to find space on the edge of the box but his tame shot was easily caught by Kasteren.

Despite V.O.A.B having a strong spell of possession it was the Solomon Islands who capitalised on a mistake. Abba managed to steal possession and force the defender to bring him down in the box as the referee called for a penalty kick in the 31st minute.

Captain Totori stepped up to take the kick and calmly converted from the spot to give the Solomon Islands team the lead once more.

With the Solomon Islands managing to keep the home side at bay, the half time score sat at V.O.A.B 1-2 Solomon Islands.

The players embrace Benjamin Totori after his first half penalty finish.

As the second half got underway, V.O.A.B applied early pressure and were almost rewarded for their efforts, Van der Heijden once again came close to levelling the score as his curling effort skimmed just wide of the post in the 50th minute.

Despite the three goals in the first half, the most astonishing moment came from Tutu in goal. The keeper was forced into three consecutive saves after the youngster incredibly denied efforts from Joran Beerens and Stijn van Laarhoven in the 59th minute.

Rijsbergen made several substitutions in the second half as he aimed to give all his players a chance to play against V.O.A.B.

The changes were soon followed by a big tackle from John Aeta as his late challenge was deemed a foul by the referee in the 75th minute.

The Solomon Islands were denied a third goal in the 82nd minute as Abba was caught offside after receiving the ball behind the defence and leaving him in on goal.

But the away side would not be denied a third, as substitute Alwin Hou managed to find space behind the defence and chip the ball over a helpless Kasteren in the 90th minute.

As the referee blew his whislte for the final time the score finished V.O.A.B 1-3 Solomon Islands thanks to goals from Nawo, Totori and Hou.

With their first European tour victory under their belt the Solomon Islands national team would need to rest as they travelled to RKSV BSC the next day.

Line Ups: V.O.A.B: 1. Nik van Kasteren; 2. Luuk Evers; 3. Pieter van der Heijden; 6. Casper van Beers; 7. Thomas Huijben; 8. Julian van de Hoef; 9. Joran Beerens; 10. Stijn van Laarhoven; 11. Rutger Zoontjens; 12. Daan Simonse; 14. Guus Baart.

Solomon Islands: 21. Desmond Tutu; 3. Allen Peter (4. Boni Pride, 79); 5. Michael Boso; 6. Andrew Rarangia; 7. Atkin Kaua (8. Patrick Taroga, 67); 9. Benjamin Totori (18. Raynick Laete, 67); 10. Jerry Donga; 14. Joses Nawo (11. Gagame Feni, 67); 16. Emmanuel Poila (13. John Aeta, 67); 17. Dennis Ifunaoa (15. Alwin Hou, 67); 19. Andrew Abba.

James Worthington

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MATCH REPORT: ADO ’20 v Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands national team started their run of seven games in ten days with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Dutch Derde Divisie side ADO ‘20 thanks to a goal from Rick Neele after seven minutes.

It was a good test for the national team, who have been training in The Netherlands for the past week leading up to the game. The squad will be tested with more games this week when they face VOAB on Friday evening before heading to Roosendaal on Saturday to play RKSV BSC.

Under the stewardship of former Netherlands defender Wim Rijsbergen, the side lined up for their first ever game on European soil with an experienced side, including captain and current leading goal scorer Benjamin Totori. The coach made three substitutions at half time and a further three changes with 20 minutes to go as he rotated his squad.

Totori had an early shot blocked for the Solomon Islands, but they were soon a goal down when Neele was able to work a bit of space inside the area and poke the ball into the corner past Philip Mango. In the build up, a throw in managed to hit two Solomon defenders before Sead Mazreku flicked the ball in to Neele to score.

With the visitors settling into their stride, they nearly pulled the score level with Joses Nawo chased down the goalkeeper and managed to block his clearance and the ball spun agonisingly wide of the post.

A minute later, Totori broke free and showed a fierce turn of pace to get past the defender before squaring the ball into the box, but the ADO defence were able to clear the danger.

ADO’s Luc Schuffelen was shown a yellow card for a foul on Alwin Hou on the edge of the area and Totori couldn’t quite curl the free kick on target.

Mazreku had a chance for the hosts on 35 minutes when his low drive was well saved by Mango and the goalkeeper was able to react to pounce on the loose ball.

On the stroke of halftime, Solomon Islands were displaying some neat passes around the ADO penalty area and the ball was worked to central defender Allen Peter who hit a ferocious low shot just wide of Mats van der Wijst’s goal.

Rijsbergen made a triple substitution for the start of the second half when striker Andrew Abba, midfielder Dennis Ifunaoa and defender Andrew Rarangia replaced Nawo, Gagame Feni and Peter respectively.

The fresh legs added a spark to the visitors who went close to an equaliser when Totori slammed a shot wide shortly after the restart. Abba showed plenty of energy in attack to close down the defenders and try and force a mistake.

ADO went close to doubling the lead when a cross into the area was fumbled by Mango but the defence was alert to deal with the danger and clear the ball away.

The visitors were getting closer to finding that equaliser and Totori tested ADO substitute ‘keeper Joey Wiese with a low shot after Atkin Kaua and Ifunaoa worked a short corner to the captain.

With just over an hour played, Abba went close to grabbing his first international goal when he connected with Ifunaoa’s cross on the full volley but it flew just wide.

At the other end, Mango was again on hand to keep the score down when he blocked from Schuffelen.

Rijsbergen made three more changes on 72 minutes as Raynick Laete, Patrick Taroga and John Aeta replaced Totori, Jerry Donga and Emmanuel Poila.

It was a physical test for the national team, as Schuffelen and Aengari came to blows in the second half. The pair tangled when trying to get to the ball and despite a quick word from the referee, Schuffelen continued to target the Solomon defender with some late challenges.

The visitors were creating plenty of chances as Ifunaoa fired over late on. In the final moments the Bonitos had more chances and plenty of possession but ADO were staying solid as the final whistle drew near.

With seconds left in the game, Kaua connected with Ifunaoa who fired at goal but Wiese did excellently to block the ball away and protect the slender advantage for the hosts.

For the national team, they will continue their Netherlands training camp with a game against VOAB in the south of the country on Friday.

Line Ups: ADO ‘20: 1. Mats van der Wijst; 5. Ted Amson; 6. Bas Vellema; 7. Rick Neele; 10. Sead Mazreku; 11. Meraj Allahdad; 15. Luc Schuffelen; 16. Raymond de Waard; 18. Marvin Boom; 21. Danny Lute; 23. Donny Rijnink (C). SUBS: 2. Mouad ben Chekh; 4. Dustin Mijnders; 16. Ibrahim Lhar; 17. Sam Nijman; 24. Joey Wiese; 26. Luke de Ruijter; 37. Thijn de Ruijter

Solomon Islands: 1. Philip Mango; 2. Hadis Aengari; 3. Allen Peter (6. Andrew Rarangia, 45); 4. Boni Pride; 7. Atkin Kaua; 9. Benjamin Totori (C) (18. Raynick Laete, 72); 10. Jerry Donga (8. Patrick Taroga, 72); 11. Gagame Feni (17. Dennis Ifunaoa, 45); 14. Joses Nawo (19. Andrew Abba, 45); 15. Alwin Hou; 16. Emmanuel Poila (13. John Aeta, 72).

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Day 9: Match Day One!

After waking up at 8am in time for breakfast at 8:30am, there was an air of anticipation around the camp ahead of the first game. With the match against ADO ‘20 not until the evening, the players had a relaxing morning before stretching their legs with a walk around Goirle.

With everybody making sure that they had everything they needed, the squad departed the small town in the south of the country at 2pm, for the 300 kilometre round trip.

Once on the bus, the players settled down for the journey. Some listened to music, some slept whilst others gathered at the back to play games. Coach Wim Rijsbergen was situated at the front of the bus reading his newspaper.

The journey was relaxing and as we passed Amsterdam, players were given a glimpse of the Amsterdam Arena, home of Dutch champions Ajax. The final part of the journey was tricky for the bus driver, with narrow streets and roads to manoeuvre through but we arrived at the ground with plenty of time to spare.

We were greeted at Sportpark de Vlotter at around 4pm and after checking out the changing rooms, the players were invited into the clubhouse for some pre-match food in which defender Michael Boso led the prayer.

After the food it was time for Raynick Laete, Patrick Taroga and John Aeta to get their kit on as they took part in a novelty match against over 100 junior players from ADO ‘20. It was a great chance for the youngsters to share a pitch with the international footballers in what was an entertaining 15 minutes of fun for the children, parents and spectators. The kids ended up winning the game 3-0 despite the Solomon boys having a couple of chances of their own.

With the pre-game entertainment complete, it was time for the match as the boys lined up and sang the national anthem. An early goal was all that separated the two sides as the Bonitos lost 1-0. Read the full report here.

Following the match, the players gathered in the bar to present a plaque to the chairman, as well as receiving a selection of gifts from the club, including scarves and water bottles.

Match highlights will be online shortly available on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.

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Day 8: School Visit

There was a special visit for the schoolchildren of Saint Leonardus School in Heemskerk, as Solomon Islands team manager Patrick Minisi, and training camp volunteers Jan and Clive all went to talk tot the class about the Solomon Islands. The children listened to tales of the South Pacific and enjoyed some songs from the Islands, writes Nathaniel Holland.

Also joining the school visit was ADO ‘20 chairman Jos Beerse who was keen to learn about his side’s next opposition. The club who play in the Dutch fourth division are celebrating their 100th anniversary and they are hosting a national team for the first time in their history.

Whilst the trio were in Heemskerk, the players continued their preparations on the training pitch with another double session at VOAB. The opening game with ADO ‘20 is tomorrow (Wednesday, kick off-7:30pm). At the school, children were given a small gift to bring to the match to gather signatures from all of the national team squad.

To see our full video report of the day, click here. Don’t forget to like our social media channels for more news, team information and match highlights.

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Day 7: Smile for the Camera

Team photo day had the players up early, doing their hair and making sure they looked presentable. Coach Rijsbergen was keen for a quick photoshoot on the cloudy Monday morning so that his players could start training and stay warm, writes Nathaniel Holland.

Whilst the shoot was being set up, the same teams of ten from Saturday’s games in the countryside went head-to-head again for a spot of football tennis, which was a light-hearted way to start a new week, and once the photos were done, the real training began.

Coach Rijsbergen really looked at team shape and movement as training stepped up a gear ahead of Wednesday’s opener versus ADO ‘20 in Heemskerk. It was back to double sessions today and the team returned to VOAB in the evening for another session as the preparations continue. The excitement in the camp is really increasing ahead of the first game and the players are enjoying their time in the camp.

Tomorrow, more training is scheduled in the penultimate day before the opening game, whilst some members of the team will be visiting a school.

Check out our video from the photoshoot and training here, and don’t forget to follow live match updates from Twitter, behind the scenes video on Instagram and all news on Facebook.