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.