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Match Report: Five goals for Ajax, three for Zlatan against Quick '20

Ajax-1 has left Amsterdam for one week. Until Saturday, the team is in training camp in eastern village De Lutte. On Tuesday, the team won its first friendly game with De Lutte as its temporary home-port. Top Class amateur side, Quick '20 was beaten 0-5, in Oldenzaal's sportspark Vonderswijde. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - who else? - was the big man in the Ajax team once again, scoring three goals, or 60% of Ajax' production.

Quick '20 is playing in Holland's highest amateur class, directly 'under' the professional First Division. It was not the first time for Ajax to play a preparation friendly against the Oldenzaal side: Quick '20 received the Amsterdammers in 1997 and 1999. On both occasions, the final score was 0-8.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the first one to score, straight from kick-off. The Swede would strike twice more in the first half. His third goal came to stand after a perfect combination with Nikos Machlas, playing on central midfield, in Zlatan's back. In between, Shota Arveladze had scored Ajax' third from the penalty spot. The only goal in the second half was scored by Richard Knopper, who fired home with a right-footed volley.

According to Ajax.nl, John O'Brien played an excellent first half as a right back. Ajax' official website also praises Yakubu Abubakari, for an "almost perfect game" in defense.

A number of players was not available due to injuries. This time, Co Adriaanse had to miss out on Van der Gun, Vierklau, Winter, Pasanen and of course Cristian Chivu, who went back into training today and is recovering well. However, he was not ready yet to play against Quick '20.

According to coach, Co Adriaanse, the tough training schedule is demanding a lot from the players. "Especially during training sessions, many players sustain injuries. Last year I decided to lower the training pressure. But we have to set a higher standard this year. If you want to win the championship, you'll have to train very hard. Many players don't realize that, or they just can't do it. The level I'm going for is required to reach our goals. We'll just have to wait and see which players are strong enough to stay on board." (MP)

GOALS

• 01' 0-1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• 26' 0-2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• 31' 0-3 Shota Arveladze (penalty)
• 34' 0-4 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
• 78' 0-5 Richard Knopper

Ajax line-up: Grim; O'Brien, Bergdølmo, Yakubu (45. De Cler), Maxwell (45. Piqué); Galásek, Machlas (45. Wamberto), Cruz; Ikedia (71. Van der Meyde), Ibrahimovic (45. Knopper), Arveladze.

Related Links:

• Discussion: Ajax current form