Last Friday night I was lucky enough to attend the Holland v Moldova match in the Kuip in Rotterdam as a journalist/photographer. I have been to many Dutch home games in the past and always thoroughly enjoyed them. However Friday was different, I went to really see the whole night with a new perspective, and I now realise there is no better to place to watch international football than in Holland.

Fans from both sides enjoying the occasion

On the rain to Rotterdam I bumped into three Irish lads all wearing Dutch scarves and a flag. I asked why the support? They all answered as one, stating that they loved the atmosphere at Dutch matches, their best football nights ever.

At the stadium there was a feeling of high excitement and anticipation, fans knowing even a draw would see them qualify for the finals in Poland and Ukraine as group leaders with one match left to play.

Inside the stadium as I walked around the perimeter of the pitch it was great to see that there was segregation of supporters at all and maybe only four or five stewards i that area where the bulk of the Moldova fans had their tickets. I would estimate there to have been two hundred and fifty or so away fans in one block of seats. They were noisy, boisterous and colourful. Pre match the Dutch and Moldovan fans posed for photos with each other and partied as the music bomed around the stadium.

Holland's Dirk Kuyt in action

The game itself despite the build up was an anti-climax. Holland had a goal disallowed in the second minute for offside. The Moldovan team played to defend and rarely crossed into the Dutch half. In the fortieth minute Holland got the break they desired, a great ball from Mark van Bommel to Dirk Kuyt in space who flashed the ball across the box to were Holland’s young hot shot Klaas Jan Huntelaar with quite reaction swept the ball into the net. The Stadium erupted into a blaze of orange as fans went celebration crazy. Unfortunately that was the only highlight of the game. The Moldovans stuck to their defensive plan and worked hard at their defensive duties, so fair play to them.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar moves forward

As the minutes counted down, the crescendo of noise grew louder and louder, not just from the Dutch, but also from the Moldovan fans, who by now were topless in the pouring rain and cold wind, but yet celebrating what for them was an excellent 1-0 result away to the second ranked team in the World. When the whistle blew he noise unbelievably got louder. Holland’s supporters greeted the Moldovan supporters and many swapped shirts, flags and other souvenirs. It was great to witness this friendship between rival fans, something all to lacking in most International matches these days. Fireworks exploded over the stadium as Holland got the points they needed to qualify as group leaders.

On the way home to The Hague I was standing with a mixed bunch of Polish men, dressed head to toe in Orange who were chanting “Holland!” also in the same carriage I could see and hear other nationalities wearing the Orange of Holland and enjoying it all.

Moldovan and Dutch fans all smiles

So what is the difference from watching the Dutch to watching my own country, England? Sadly in England the fans from rival clubs do not seem to be able to put away their differences. All too often small incidents happen that ruin it for the vast majority. Yet here in Holland, not just last Friday, but at the other twenty or so Dutch games I have been to, there is no friction between rival clubs supporters, everybody goes with the same intention, to go and party, drink and have fun.

I recommend that if you like your football and you want to experience something special, get yourself along to a Dutch game. There is a chance on Friday 11th November when Holland takes on Switzerland in a friendly in Amsterdam. You can get your tickets from the Primera shops in your area.

Text & Photos by Neal McClimon

www.itpphotography.com

neal@thehagueonline.com

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