Dutch Class

Holland kicked off their Euro 2008 by defeating Italy 3-0 in Bern last night (Telegraaf, NRC newspapers). Despite a controversial first goal it looked like a deserved win all the more so because the Italians didn’t look bad either.

The legion of Dutch supporters were as always prominently visible in the stadium with their orange coloured shirts, hats, wigs, drums and the like. They will have to be careful though as there has been an official warning from the Dutch Health Ministry that the wigs could constitute a fire hazard. Apparently about 30% of the orange wigs and boas in circulation could easily catch fire when near a cigarette or lighter.

While British Football supporters are without an obvious team to support for Euro 2008 (the European football championship held in in Switzerland and Austria during June 2008), there is no such split loyalty in The Netherlands.

The Dutch national football team are playing in Euro 2008 and thousands of supporters are expected to follow their team to their games. Although over-land travel to the venues is possible from The Netherlands, news reports say the Dutch Football Association’s official transport company, OAD has chartered 100 flights to fly Dutch fans to the European football championship matches.

There are plans for OAD to transport 15,000 football fans a day for the first three matches. These are: Netherlands vs Italy on 9th June, Netherlands vs France on 13th June, and Netherlands vs Romania on 17th June. All three matches take place in the Swiss city of Berne.

Most flights will leave the Netherlands on the morning of the game and return to Schiphol and Rotterdam Airport after the match. “Orange Parties” will be held for Dutch supporters ahead of the matches.