It was a stark contrast in Baarle-Nassau Friday morning. While the Dutch residents are already looking forward to the World Cup match of Orange next Saturday, the Belgian fans from Baarle-Hertog are mourning the elimination of the Red Devils. “Now we cheer for Holland.”
It was a bitter pill Wednesday. The Belgians did not get further than a 0-0 draw against Croatia and are therefore already out of the tournament in Qatar. Although, according to a Belgian supporter, it certainly should not have come this far. “They played quite well, but missed too many chances. After such a nice pot, I can live with it. The pain is not too bad.”
The elimination has hit one of his compatriots further down the road harder. “I think it’s really bad. Why? No idea. They did their best.” A Flemish woman dares to say it. “They’re just a bit too old. It’s waiting for the new generation.”
“I’m going to cheer for you. Go Holland go!”
But those new star players are not exactly in the starting blocks. And so the Belgians had better join the Orange Legion until then. However? “That might be a good idea,” laughs a woman. I’m gonna cheer for you. Go Holland go!”
Although a Dutchman in the neighborhood is not yet convinced whether that is the right choice. “It is better not to laugh at the Belgians. It is actually quite a shame that they are out. And maybe they will laugh at us tomorrow.”
