U-17 and U-21 update as well as some other news. 6/22/2011.

Well first of all, the U-17 World Cup is still going with yet another round nearing completion. Uruguay have already taken on Rwanda, beating them 1-0 with a fine goal from Leonardo Pais in the 5th minute of stoppage time in the second half putting the brilliant Uruguayans into the knock-out round and still not allowing the Rwandans their first point in the U-17 Finals. The last Group C game of the day is between the light-footed and quick Canadians and the determined side of England. Meanwhile, the Group D game between the U.S. and Uzbekistan finished 1-2 with the Uzbek national team leading 0-1 at the half and 1-2 when the full-time whistle blew. The Czech Republic and New Zealand still have yet to play which should also be an exciting match! Over in Denmark the U-21 European Championships have reached their concluding stage as Spain and Switzerland have made it! Spain were at first behind Belarus 0-1 but ended the match 3-1 up thanks to a sensational 89th minute equalizer from Adrian Lopez who struck once more to make it 2-1 for Spain before Jeffren Suarez put the icing on the cake with the 3rd. Over in the other semi-final, Switzerland bested the Czech Republic in extra-time as well through Admir Mehmedi in the 114th minute. It was a strike just out of the reach of the goalie, while the Swiss have continued their run of 390 minutes of football without conceding a goal! Last but not least, Michael Ballack has announced his retirement from international action after 98 appearances and 42 goals. He captained the German national side on 55 occasions, a record bested only by Lothar Matthaus who captained 75 times. He was also 7th in all-time appearances and goals scored while hitting the net the most of any midfielder in German history. Also along these lines, he assisted 5 times at World Cups, only eight players matched this tally. Thanks for all of the memories Michael Ballack!