News of: Sunday, June 22 2008,
The European Soccer Championship 2008 has ended for the Dutch team, after the defeat against Russia yesterday evening.
After three victories in the first round the hopes where high for the Dutch soccer team, which had become one of the main favourites for the European title.
However, the Russian team, coached by the Dutchman Guus Hiddink, turned out to be stronger, and won with 3-1.
In two Dutch towns (Delft and Bergen op Zoom) some fighting by frustrated fans broke out. This also happened in Basel, Switzerland, where the match took place. The approximately 100,000 Dutch fans will practically all head home after the Dutch loss.
In Amsterdam everything remained quiet after the match.
The only hope for cheering and partying people in Amsterdam is when the Turks win the match against Germany on Wednesday June 25, 8.45pm.
Last Friday, the Turks in Amsterdam proved to be worthy party-makers, after winning from the Croatian team. Again, Mercatorplein was completely blocked by cars wanting to go the square, and the party lasted until deep in the night.
The Dutch team is expected on Schiphol Airport, with flight HV 8698 from Geneva, arriving 9.30pm.
