What a feast of football it was for the Sky Digital viewer. The Republic against Greece on Sky Sports, Holland against the Scots on U-Direct (who kindly turned off the encryption at some point during the first half!), and - wow! a reason to watch BBC Choice! - Northern Ireland against the Magyars, sandwiched between the radio stations and the porn channels.

A shame, then, that the three games only managed a pathetic two goals between them. So much for friendlies being a chance to open up and entertain...

The Dutch had yet another draw in their preparation for the summer, nil-nil against the mighty Scotland. Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars both appeared for the first half, wearing the disturbingly retro-styled Oranje kit. Both came close, with curling efforts which grazed the top left corner of the goalposts. And both were substituted.

Another Arsenal duo featured in the Ireland-Greece game - but on the presentation side this time. Sky Sports delighted us with former Gunners legend Frank Stapleton looking less than happy to be at a wet Lansdowne Road - and former Gunners legend Eddie McGoldrick offering his expert opinion from the comfort of a west London studio. The Greeks scored midway through the first half, and hung on for the win.

And (tenuous Arsenal link imminent...) Pat Rice will have been disappointed to see his former Norn Iron teammate Sammy McIlroy lose his 100% record as national manager, with Hungary pinching a winner in the second half. Arseweb would like to make a special mention of BBC NI's colour-man for the night, Jimmy Nicholl - clearly a pupil of the 'bloke in the pub' school of commentary. More of this please.