The ground in Hamburg still remembers it. It shook, vibrated, almost cracked under the mass of 50,000 Dutch fans who poured in before the first group match between the Netherlands and Poland on June 16. Only 20,000 of them had tickets for the match, but that didn’t stop their many compatriots from showing their colours and pushing their team to victory (1-2).
The human tide is probably not unrelated. Well installed behind the now famous Oranjefans Bus, which was out for the 50th time during the first match of this Euro 2024, these Dutch supporters surprised all of Europe. “An incredible effort”, wrote the BBC, while many media outlets paid tribute to these fans who, despite their numbers, were perfectly respectful.
The bus on the roads since Euro 2004
If the excitement wasn’t enough for Ronald Koeman’s men to beat France and Austria, it should still be there this Tuesday for the Oranjes’ round of 16 match against Romania. The fans know it: their team has a golden opportunity to go far in this Euro 2024, with a possible quarter-final against Austria or Turkey. The Oranjebus will therefore be out again to guide the tens of thousands of fans.
“The project dates back about twenty years,” explains Nicole Heij, from the Oranjebus organizing committee. “A small group of fans thought it would be a good idea to find an original way to come to the national team matches. Two of them bought an English imperial bus and customized it as it is now, orange. It has still evolved a little over the years, with a bar inside for example.”
A bar has been set up in the Oranje supporters’ bus. AFP/Odd Andersen
Since Euro 2004, the bus, which also serves as a means of transport for some fans, has been crisscrossing all the host countries, whether for the European Championships or the World Cups, for both men and women. It has notably discovered Qatar, Brazil and South Africa, thanks to the support of the federation and numerous sponsors.
“In Portugal, for its first outing, those who were looking after the bus noticed that some fans were following it and doing a sort of parade. They found it funny so they continued and it became more and more important,” says Nicole Heij.
“Like a big family”
During the first three games of the Netherlands in Germany, there were 50,000 behind the bus, dressed in orange from head to toe, in the colours of the Oranje-Nassau dynasty that reigns in the country. A huge contingent, despite the few tickets available, which is explained in particular by the proximity between the two countries.
“A lot of people have asked me if it’s possible to come to the fan zone to have a fun day, even without a ticket, to party, meet people and take part in the parade. It’s pure fun,” assures the organizer.
And despite the huge enthusiasm, and the many beers tasted by the Dutch fans, no excesses were announced. A very important point for the organizers of these parades, who want to bring together all the football fans of their country.
“It doesn’t matter what club you support, whether you’re a PSV fan, Ajax Amsterdam fan or Feyenoord fan, when you meet and wear orange, you forget everything,” insists Nicole Heij. “When I did my first parade in 2012, I was very surprised by the harmony and warmth of all the fans. Everyone is connected, it’s like a big family.”
A united family that hopes to continue the adventure, and continue to discover Germany through the exploits of its team. The Dutch are ready to party and make their voices heard. It’s up to Memphis Depay and his teammates to take them to Berlin on July 14.
