The flags are hanging outside, the beer is cold and Fienus Baas, alias de Brilleman, from Odoorn is completely ready for the World Cup. Due to health reasons, he and his wife have chosen not to travel, but the man with ‘orange’ blood is still looking forward to what the Dutch national team will achieve. Starting tonight, in the group match against Japan.
“I have now seen 362 matches,” Fienus explains to those who still doubted how dedicated he is. From South Africa to Germany, the supporter has traveled all over the world. He will follow the next edition from his own man cave.
Fienus is part of the permanent group of supporters around the Dutch team. “Everyone knows everyone. They are always cheerful supporters. It’s still a lot of fun to hang out with those guys.” And although he stays at home, he does have contact with the traveling supporters.
What makes the Dutch team so special that it always travels behind? “You know, club football is always different. Then there is a bit of taunting among themselves,” Fienus explains. “You don’t have that at Oranje. If at Oranje someone proverbially pees outside the pot, then you go there and say: hey, behave yourself.”
Visiting the Brilleman (text continues after the video):