Who featured for their respective national sides this weekend?
Once again we're embroiled in the midst of an international break, and once again news and talking points of a Swansea City variety are limited. With that in mind, I thought I'd have a look at the Swansea players who have been in action for their various international sides.
Wales 1 - 1 Finland
Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Ben Davies, Jazz Richards
It says something about Wales' adoption of a passing style that as well as the four players listed above there were another two ex-Swans in the starting lineup (Sam Ricketts & Joe Allen), as well as a further three on the bench (Jermain Easter, Owain Tudur-Jones & David Cotterill). Nine players in the squad with a Swansea connection can only be a good thing for both club and country.
As for last night's match, the Swansea City leanings continued. Wales seemed to be coasting to a 1-0 victory thanks to an Andy King header, but with the game deep into added time Finland capitalised on a loose header - sending forward Riku Riski through. He still had a lot to do, but got in front of the two men chasing him and finished well past Hennessey. Coleman will hope that sort of thing doesn't start to haunt his side like it has the Swans in recent times.
Williams and Taylor had started the match, before late on Richards & Davies replaced Gunter & Taylor respectively. Hopefully we'll see more young Swansea players making the grade at international level. The future's bright, the future's white and all that.
South Korea 2 - 1 Switzerland
Ki Sung-Yueng
He might be out on loan, but he's still our player and I want it to stay that way. Delivered the corner which was headed in for Korea's equaliser on the 60 minute mark.
Senegal 1 - 1 Ivory Coast
Wilfried Bony
Travelled the best part of 2,000 miles, and didn't get off the bench. Harsh, considering he scored twice last weekend and is by some way the Swans' top scorer! Unlike the Swans & Wales, Ivory Coast themselves benefited from a 94th minute goal from Solomon Kalou, which tied the game up after Moussa Sow had put Senegal in front from the penalty spot.
Japan 2 - 2 Holland
Jonathan De Guzman
Not much to write home about here, to be honest. At one point Michel Vorm & Dwight Tiendalli both accompanied JDG on his forays abroad with the Dutch team, however they've both lost their places as form for the club has dropped off. De Guzman came on for one of Holland's goalscorers, Rafael Van Der Vaart, with the game already having delivered it's main course. Holland went two nil up before Japan got one back before half time, and then the hosts equalised in the 60th minute. De Guzman only entered the fray after 78 minutes, and it's unlikely he had much chance to influence goings on. It's worth watching the highlights, however, as Robben & Honda's goals are absolutely delightful - the latter in particular being a joy to watch if you like short sharp passes.
Bosnia Herzegovina U21s 1 - 6 Spain U21s
Jordi Amat
It appears the young Spaniards got off to a slow start before brushing aside their hosts. They went behind in the 15th minute, but were 3-1 up at half time thanks partially to an own goal and a stoppage time penalty. It shouldn't be underplayed how highly Amat is rated by the Spanish authorities - they've been called the best team in the history of football for a reason and if they rate Amat as one for the future perhaps we should be kinder on him. I've been critical in the past (only occasionally, mind) but there's obviously a good player there. I do feel though that he'd benefit from an extra stone of muscle, but at 21 he's got plenty of time to develop both physically and tactically.
If I've missed anyone out, please feel free to give me some grief...
If I've missed anyone out, please feel free to give me some grief...