The more than 2,000 Dutch supporters in the World Cup village in Rucphen had a great time on Saturday evening due to the 2-0 lead against Sweden. Among the cheering supporters is Bart van der List from St. Willebrord, who walked around in a lion suit for a long time shortly before the match. “People pass you by in the supermarket, but not here as a lion. It’s the most beautiful thing there is.”
When he takes off the lion suit fifteen minutes before the kick-off of the Netherlands – Sweden, he feels the sweat dripping everywhere. Van der List was asked by the organization of the World Cup village to walk around as a lion to create atmosphere. He did so, even though the temperature in Rucphen on Saturday evening was almost 30 degrees.
“It’s very hot and painful, but I enjoy doing it,” he says while drinking his well-deserved drink. “The World Cup village is about the Dutch national team and we want to ensure a sense of solidarity. The lion stirs something in many people and is good for young and old.”
“You’ve sometimes had children hanging from your legs.”
At the European Championships two years ago, Bart was also a lion and he did not hesitate to say ‘yes’ again. “It was a matter of trying to see how things were going, but it was appreciated. I did find out that a supervisor is useful to walk with, especially because you sometimes have little ones hanging on your leg.”
Dressing up is his thing anyway. “I am the jester with us in St. Willebrord, so to speak, the weirdo during carnival. Here I am the weirdo with a lion suit on,” he laughs. “Let’s hope that I can be the same more often this World Cup. I’m going for the world title, then I’ll be at Schiphol waiting for the boys. As a lion, of course.”
Full house
In the World Cup village in Rucphen, more than 2,000 people watch the Netherlands – Sweden match on Saturday evening. Measures have been taken because of the heat. “It’s doable under the canopy, but it can be hot in the sun. That’s why there are wind turbines in the corners. That is appreciated,” says initiator Ronnie Gommers.
