The Dutch national team played its second game against Ecuador on Friday afternoon at the World Cup in Qatar. There was no question of a real World Cup madness yet, but hundreds of football fans had gathered on d’Ekkerplein in Veldhoven to cheer for Orange.
There is a heated pavilion tent with a large screen on the square. The tent is 25 by 50 meters in size and can accommodate more than 2000 fans. When the match starts, the tent is pretty full. The vast majority of people are dressed in orange, but there are also people who have just come from work in their smart clothes and grab a drink.
“It’s going to be a great race,” says Finn. “The Netherlands is going to win and it will mainly come from PSV players.”
Maartje also thinks that the Netherlands will win. “I’m sure, I’m very confident! It’s certainly very cozy here. The atmosphere is good,” she says, proudly placing her hand on her heart during the national anthem.
Earlier this week, Senegal won 2-0. On Tuesday, the Orange will play its last group match against home country Qatar.
When the Netherlands scores 1-0, loud cheers rise in the tent. Orange confetti is fired while a DJ whips up the room.
At halftime, the beer flows freely. Orange fans rush to get some food and drinks before the second half starts. Meanwhile, the atmosphere is good. The audience sings along with a singer who keeps the audience warm with Dutch music.
If the game ends in a draw, the supporters will not give up. In the tent, the party quickly continues with cheerful music from the DJ. The people dressed in orange go quickly to get a beer. So is Roy: “Yes, fortunately the atmosphere is good, but the football can be better! Now on to Qatar. They must be able to have that, right?!”
