Because the European Water Polo Championships could not take place in Israel due to the war, the Netherlands came into the picture for the organization. In less than two months, the Pieter van den Hoogenband Swimming Stadium in Eindhoven was prepared for the final tournament. The supporters of the Dutch team love to see the world champion in action in their own country. “Normally we only see them on TV, now in real life, beautiful,” said Joni de Graaf, who witnessed the 15-10 win over Greece on Sunday evening with three friends.
The third day of the European Championship started at nine o’clock this morning with the international match between Romania and Turkey. There was plenty of activity in the water all day. The stands slowly turned more and more orange, with the third group match between the Netherlands and Greece at half past six, the highlight for most spectators.
Shortly before the first whistle, Joni de Graaf was already watching the warm-up of her sporting heroes. Eindhoven is not exactly around the corner for her, because she comes from Sneek. “Normally we only see the Dutch team on live streams. Now they are in our own country, we really wanted to see that. We were happy to spend the travel time for that.”
“The goalkeeper does not jump high normally.”
Her teammate Lea van Wijk from Z&PC Neptunia ’24 is impressed by the Dutch team, which won the group undefeated. “They are real athletes. And the goalkeeper, he doesn’t jump high normally. I really think we will become European champions.”
Florien van Veenen (15) from Wassenaar enjoyed the stands with her friends. “There is a great atmosphere here in the stadium. Yes, we have made a lot of noise. Now we hope that the women can continue their good performances, but I have confidence in that.”
“This European Championship is a big reunion.”
Robert from Utrecht was dressed in orange together with his friends. “There were four of us, but we all meet acquaintances here. This European Championship is actually a big reunion. We are real water polo fans and then you just have to be at such a tournament. The Dutch team makes an impression, but there are more good countries The top four must be feasible.”
The Netherlands defeated the Greeks 15-10 and previously defeated Croatia and Hungary. The world champion will continue the race for the gold medal next Tuesday. Probably with many spectators in the stands again.
The swimming stadium with a capacity of 2,500 was sold out for the first three days of the European Championships. “We are very satisfied with the turnout. This may be during the weekend, but we also expect a large audience in the following rounds during the week. Moreover, there has not been any discord,” the organization said.
