If you are looking for Willem Schepers’ house in Emmen, you do not need a house number. Its facade is covered with flags of all the countries participating in the Football World Cup.
Two years ago, Schepers decorated his house with 24 flags for the European Championship. He added another 24 flagpoles for the World Cup. “When I saw that there were 48, I thought for a moment: oh shit, I said I was going to do this every year,” he laughs.
Yet Schepers continues enthusiastically. The flags of countries playing that day will be placed on the side of the house. “I hope that no more countries will be added, because then the neighbors will also have to make a piece of facade available,” he jokes.
Hanging up all the flags is a big job. “48 times three, that makes you tired.” But he doesn’t stop. “I just like it. And I think it’s nicer than just orange flags. This way you show that everyone belongs, regardless of where you come from.”
Sometimes he receives comments from people who do not see their own country among the flags. “Then I say: they have to learn to play football better, then that flag will also be added.”
For Schepers it is not just about football. “I hope people see that it can be done this way, instead of arguing.”