Yesterday at 6:00 PM • Edited yesterday at 7:00 PM
“It’s unbelievable what’s happening here now,” says an enthusiastic and sweaty Stef van de Vijver (31) from Budel. He has been living in Houston, Texas for almost two years now and never before has he felt so proud of our little country as he does now.
The Netherlands will play against Sweden in the World Cup on Saturday in Texas. That match is traditionally preceded with an orange march towards the stadium. Our proud man from Budel also walks in it.
Stef was also at the first Dutch match. That was also in Texas, but in the city of Dallas. “It was busy then, but not as busy as it is now. I think there are 25,000 Oranje fans walking behind the bus now. In 29 degrees, at eight in the morning (local time, ed.) and with a humidity of ninety percent.”
“The fact that they now find the Netherlands a sympathetic nation can only turn out well.”
What he bases those 25,000 fans on appears to be mainly a feeling. “During the previous match I could see the Oranjebus the whole time. I have already lost sight of it, because people keep coming from all corners and holes. And I started right behind the bus.”
Stef keeps throwing around superlatives. “It’s really great. We are so well taken care of. There is food and drinks for everyone. The people are so hospitable and they all love seeing that orange mass passing by. Texas feels like a piece of Brabant in America.”
“This is also very good advertising for the Netherlands,” Stef continues, full of adrenaline. He works for the Dutch government to promote trade between Texas and the Netherlands.
“This is very good from a diplomatic point of view. Did you know that the Netherlands is the largest trading partner for Houston? We are talking about 33 billion dollars annually. The Netherlands mainly supplies a lot of equipment and Texas gas and oil. The fact that they now find the Netherlands a sympathetic and festive people can only turn out well.”
“It really is the ultimate fraternization.”
According to Stef, locals also participate in the Orange Procession. “The local football club and baseball club also happen to have orange uniforms and I now see them around me. It really is the ultimate fraternization,” he says.
“Those Americans also all participate with Frans Bauer and Snollebollekes. They have no idea what they are singing, but they love it. I am really enjoying every second,” he says. “Oh,” it suddenly sounds abruptly. “There’s the fire brigade, they spray us all wet. A fresh boost, wonderful!”