17 August AZ-Ajax Match Day 2

[Orange14]

On to AZ for what could be a tricky fixture. Saint Marco van Basten has moved over from Heerenveen as the manager. Will we see the WC players Blind, Cillessen & Veltman in the starting lineup?

[ajaxcolombia]

Van der Hoorn almost had a very good game against Vitesse, until the last couple minutes, which is why Veltman is probably the most important player that should return.

[Tom_]

What do you guys think about van der Hoorn (i.e. do you like Mike)? Last season I was happy to assume he was just having a run of terrible luck, but I'm starting to wonder if he has a genuine problem with decision making. That shirt pull on van der Heijden was pretty ridiculous...

[Orange14]

Van der Hoorn has a history of making wrong decisions. He had issues for Utrecht and also for the Dutch U-21s where he cost them a match. Physically he has all the tools and maybe it's immaturity at this point in time. I think we over paid for him and the jury is still out about his long term status with the club. I was hopeful last Sunday but then in the 80th minute he self destructed again.

[Amol]

He looked pretty solid until late in the game. I forget how van der heijden got past him, but I think he had to pull him down on that one.

The other one where he ended leaving the entire right center portion of defense open - that was worse than school boy football. He was trying to make a tackle in midfield and had the look of 'oh f__k' when the attacking player passed him.

[ajaxcolombia]

He had a very solid season before coming to ajax. Yes there were maybe one or two games he made huge mistakes. But during the 2012-2013 season he was very good, maybe one of the best in the eredivise. But we seem to have bad luck with Centre back signings (wielart comes to mind but then again mosainder has been excellent).

[Cruijff]

Looking forward to this one. Got offered a couple of tickets to go see this in Alkmaar, but I refused and will sit in front of the telly instead.

[Orange14]

Looking forward to this one. Got offered a couple of tickets to go see this in Alkmaar, but I refused and will sit in front of the telly instead.

Afraid of the mean streets of Alkmaar?

[Cruijff]

Afraid of the mean streets of Alkmaar?

Well yeah most of the 'windows' in the Alkmaar red light district used to be owned by Amsterdam criminals Cor van Hout and Willem Holleeder.

But no, I just don't feel like making the train ride to Alkmaar (and back) when I also have a 10k run on the Sunday morning.

[Orange14]

I just don't feel like making the train ride to Alkmaar (and back) when I also have a 10k run on the Sunday morning.

Good luck on the run! I stopped running about 15 years ago to save wear and tear on the knees and other joints. I do a lot of walking and hiking these days to keep in fighting shape!

[SPL]

Cruijff sounds like my 25 year old son he is always running 10k 's to keep fit. I just do something very Dutch instead ,get on my bike.I cycle and walk a lot to keep fit.

Thought Alkmaar was a sleepy little town where they sell cheese!!!

Cillessen will be back with Blind but Veltman is not included .Maybe playing very little in Brazil he is not 100% match fit. He plays for Jong Ajax tomorrow along with V Rhijn who is now fit and Denswil.FDB wants Denswil to be playing and not sit on the bench.

Tete is on the bench in Alkmaar.

[Cruijff]

Cruijff sounds like my 25 year old son he is always running 10k 's to keep fit. I just do something very Dutch instead ,get on my bike.I cycle and walk a lot to keep fit.

I am a little bit (some years) older than 25 but yeah, it's a good way to stay fit. Oh and I join you in that very Dutch thing as I ride my bike towards that 10k race.

Thought Alkmaar was a sleepy little town where they sell cheese!!!

Yes, it is.
Nice place to sit in the sun (in case we have nice weather in Holland) and get a beer, but you don't miss much when you don't go to Alkmaar.

Number 2 in the league plays number 1!

[Cruijff]

Jasper, Daley and also Kolbeinn are back in the line-up.

[Orange14]

Wonder why no Veltman. Hope van der Hoorn keeps his head screwed on straight.

[Tom_]

Siggy! Since Siem is gone I'm going to continue my tradition of cheering for unpopular players. I reckon he's better than Milik, anyway.

[Cruijff]

Wonder why no Veltman.

Just before the match De Boer explained why no Veltman.

[Orange14]

Wow was that ever pretty. Maybe Klaassen's first touch?

[Tom_]

Nice! Interesting defending from AZ

[Orange14]

Wonder why no Veltman.

Just before the match De Boer explained why no Veltman.

I've got a Russian feed so no understand!

[Tom_]

I thought he played for Jong last night?

[rjf1]

...I've got a Russian feed so no understand!

There is an English sopcast feed on that Russian site (livetv.ru/en/)

[Orange14]

We probably should have had 1-2 more goals. Ligeon really should have passed to an open Sigthorrsson when he broke in clear on goal and Sigthorrsson lost his balance when he got off of his marker. We still are dicey on defense and I won't be surprised if AZ get at least one goal in the 2nd half.

[Dave the mac]

Up at 3:30 am local time to watch.... Entertaining 1st half and nice goal from Klaassen, with his first touch?
Was out of town last week so this is my first look at this season's team.

[Cruijff]

Just before the match De Boer explained why no Veltman.

I've got a Russian feed so no understand!

De Boer said that in this stadium 'a post Worldcup player' like Blind has to get a substitute after 75 minutes. He doesn't want to waste two substitutes. So I suppose Veltman will probably return in the squad next week against PSV.

[Dave the mac]

2nd half under way El Ghazi in for Kishna.