Friday 23rd October: Den Bosch v Fortuna Sittard
Excepting the Arsenal Emirates, our first football spot of the weekend was the Achter de Kazzerne, home of KV Mechelen.
In Antwerp, we saw an amazing sight of something modern, in Belgium. It looked they had actually finished the station refit.
Over the border, we changed at Roosendaal. The stadium of the Dutch second league side is clearly visible from the train.
From Roosendaal, it was a short ride east to Tilburg, our base for the weekend. On the way, we saw the third stadium of the tour, that of NAC Breda. We had intended to watch the NAC game on the Saturday, but the request was turned down the local police, seemingly worried about the reputation of the EFW 32. As it turned out, it mattered not a jot.
Meeting point for the EFW was the Little Devil pub, which Danny had exclusively reserved for us.
It had good company
g
ood decor
and good beer
After a few drinks in the pub, we headed down to the station, for a few more drinks of something. I can't quite recall what concoction was in the bottle, but it was interesting to say the least.
We arrived a little early so had a look around the stadium. We found that inside the stadium was none other than a ski rink!
However, we were going to the football, rather than the ski slopes. We got our tickets and found our seats.
Our seats were situated close to the away sector, which gave a good oppoortunity to admire the extreme segregation. This consisted of two fences, a net to catch missiles and some vicious looking spikes.
European Football Weekends started life as a humble website, http://www.europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/. With the birth of facebook, it became a group of over 300 people from around the world, who enjoyed travelling to different countries to watch football. Then the enterprising founder Danny Last went one step further. He decided to arrange a trip for thirty-two people in the Netherlands. Thus the EFW 1 was born.
This was too good an opportunity to pass up, so I headed down to St.Pancras station to meet up with Olly. Owing to Danny's advance planning, I had been able to book us cheap tickets on a sensible timed train, the 0834!
In Brussels, I met up with Andy & Game-a-day John, who had booked later and therefore had to go on earlier trains from London. The exciting news was that the Brussels Midi supermarket refit was complete and that everyones favourite vending machine was back.
The beer selection was also back, so after much though I bought some Kriek & Gueze for the train north.
Excepting the Arsenal Emirates, our first football spot of the weekend was the Achter de Kazzerne, home of KV Mechelen.
In Antwerp, we saw an amazing sight of something modern, in Belgium. It looked they had actually finished the station refit.
Over the border, we changed at Roosendaal. The stadium of the Dutch second league side is clearly visible from the train.
From Roosendaal, it was a short ride east to Tilburg, our base for the weekend. On the way, we saw the third stadium of the tour, that of NAC Breda. We had intended to watch the NAC game on the Saturday, but the request was turned down the local police, seemingly worried about the reputation of the EFW 32. As it turned out, it mattered not a jot.
Tilburg, we found, was a nice little town.
Meeting point for the EFW was the Little Devil pub, which Danny had exclusively reserved for us.
It had good companyg
ood decor
and good beer
After a few drinks in the pub, we headed down to the station, for a few more drinks of something. I can't quite recall what concoction was in the bottle, but it was interesting to say the least.
Our first game of the weekend was the second division game, a twenty minute ride away in Den Bosch.
We arrived a little early so had a look around the stadium. We found that inside the stadium was none other than a ski rink! 
However, we were going to the football, rather than the ski slopes. We got our tickets and found our seats.
Our seats were situated close to the away sector, which gave a good oppoortunity to admire the extreme segregation. This consisted of two fences, a net to catch missiles and some vicious looking spikes.Danny is a floodlight enthusiast so this one is for him. Den Bosch had a nice set of lights.
Soon after, I decided to check out the catering in the ground. If British grounds are known for their pies and German grounds their Bratwursts, Dutch stadia feature these cheesy things.
After a lot of waiting, EFW 1 got underway with the first of the weekend's four games, FC Den Bosch v Fortuna Sittard.
Sure enough, within only five minutes, the home team got a penalty....
Goal!!!
Five minutes later, Fortuna equalised. Five minutes after that, Den Bosch regained the lead. Fifteen minutes into our first game, and already three goals. There was even a smoke bomb from the home supporters.
After an explosive start, the game lost its way somewhat. There was to be only one more goal, as Den Bosch secured a 3-1 victory
Back at the station, we met the Den Bosch hooligans who were spoling for a fight. Alas they didn't find the Fortuna Sittard fans, but those of Legia Warsaw, Lewes, 1860 Munchen, Royal Antwerpen...
Saturday 24th October: Rot Weiss Essen v Preussen Munster & Vitesse Arnhem v Heracles Almelo
Our bus headed out of the Netherlands and into Germany.
The first exit in Germany.
Soon enough, the green fields gave way to the smoke stacks of the Ruhrgebeit.
The floodlights of the Niederrheinstadion, Oberhausen, are just about visible in the distance.
Our first game of the day was the Regionaligawest clash between Rot Weiss Essen and Preussen Munster. There were lots of police out for the day, but we were given a warm welcome in the clubhouse, where many a glass of Konig Pilsner was sunk.
This was our second visit to Georg Melches Stadion and in the last couple of years the guest sector had vanished. The new stadium was being built next door, overlapping part of the existing one, so a large part of one stand was destroyed to make way. This left a 2 1/2 sided ground.
The Home supporters had turned out in force for this one:
The away following wasn't bad either:
Indeed the EFW 32 had tipped the attendance for this game over the 10,000 mark, not bad for the fourth division. A great atmosphere was building with some nice flag action both on the pitch...
...and off it
There were also some giant letters!
The game was an exciting one, with Essen netting shortly after half time:
Last time we came to Essen, they conceded a stoppage time equaliser to Wacker Burghausen. With the ninety minutes up they led 1-0 again. Surely lightning couldn't strike twice?
After a lot of waiting, EFW 1 got underway with the first of the weekend's four games, FC Den Bosch v Fortuna Sittard.
Sure enough, within only five minutes, the home team got a penalty....
Goal!!!
Five minutes later, Fortuna equalised. Five minutes after that, Den Bosch regained the lead. Fifteen minutes into our first game, and already three goals. There was even a smoke bomb from the home supporters.
After an explosive start, the game lost its way somewhat. There was to be only one more goal, as Den Bosch secured a 3-1 victory
Back at the station, we met the Den Bosch hooligans who were spoling for a fight. Alas they didn't find the Fortuna Sittard fans, but those of Legia Warsaw, Lewes, 1860 Munchen, Royal Antwerpen...
Saturday 24th October: Rot Weiss Essen v Preussen Munster & Vitesse Arnhem v Heracles Almelo Having had our request for tickets turned down by NAC Breda, Danny worked double quick to come up with an alternative plan. A plan involving hiring a bus with a driver called Willem to take us to two games in two different countries, in the same day. Not only that, but Willem had stocked up the fridge with beer.
Our bus headed out of the Netherlands and into Germany.
The first exit in Germany.
Soon enough, the green fields gave way to the smoke stacks of the Ruhrgebeit.
The floodlights of the Niederrheinstadion, Oberhausen, are just about visible in the distance.
Our first game of the day was the Regionaligawest clash between Rot Weiss Essen and Preussen Munster. There were lots of police out for the day, but we were given a warm welcome in the clubhouse, where many a glass of Konig Pilsner was sunk.
This was our second visit to Georg Melches Stadion and in the last couple of years the guest sector had vanished. The new stadium was being built next door, overlapping part of the existing one, so a large part of one stand was destroyed to make way. This left a 2 1/2 sided ground.
The Home supporters had turned out in force for this one:The away following wasn't bad either:
Indeed the EFW 32 had tipped the attendance for this game over the 10,000 mark, not bad for the fourth division. A great atmosphere was building with some nice flag action both on the pitch...
...and off it
There were also some giant letters!
The game was an exciting one, with Essen netting shortly after half time:
Last time we came to Essen, they conceded a stoppage time equaliser to Wacker Burghausen. With the ninety minutes up they led 1-0 again. Surely lightning couldn't strike twice?
Oh yes it could! So it was Muster fans, not Essen fans, went home happy.
I nearly forgot the floodlights:
Having seen one very game in one country, there was nothing to do but cross over to another country to see another. So it was back on the road for the journey to Arnhem.
The coach trip was fairly quiet:
We turned off the motorway and saw this. Is it a supermarket? Is it a cinema? No, it's the Gelredome, home of Vitesse Arnhem.
I nearly forgot the floodlights:
Having seen one very game in one country, there was nothing to do but cross over to another country to see another. So it was back on the road for the journey to Arnhem.
The coach trip was fairly quiet:
We turned off the motorway and saw this. Is it a supermarket? Is it a cinema? No, it's the Gelredome, home of Vitesse Arnhem.
We were back in the Netherlands, but it wasn't obvious. The carpark had a distinctly 'European' feel to it.
Our bus
and our group:
The Gelredome has a pitch on wheels. During the week it lies outside:
...before being rolled in for the game.
Once again, we were welcomed into the clubhouse.
The currency for buying beer was not Euro's, but munts.
The stadium had a close roof, making it an indoor stadium. The contrast in feel to Essen can hardly have been greater.
The home fans gathered in the end to our right
Meanwhile, the small away supporters were away to our left. Given that Almelo is under an hour away, the visitor block was surprisingly empty.
Arnhem fans were mourning the death of a club legend, the eagle. RIP.
The club mascot was getting into the EFW spirit, though his hands were too big to hold the badge.
Arnhem were poor, Heracles a little better. The game finished in a 2-0 win for the guests.
Afterwards everyone cycled home.
Meanwhile we sunk a few more beers on the bus and listened to Hans reading out the confessions page of Zoo magazine. It was one of those 'you had to be there' moments.
Back in Tilburg, we enjoyed a few more beers in the local bars, before finally retiring to our hotel. It had been a memorable day.
Sunday 25th October: Willem II v Heerenveen
For our third day, and fourth game of the trip, we didn't have far to travel. Having stayed the weekend in Tilburg, we finally had the chance to see the local team, Willem II, take on fellow strugglers Heerenveen.
Konig Willem II sat here:
Posing with the team
The customary bike rack
John's joy at having to pose for yet another photo.
Inside, we found a fairly standard, uniform Dutch stadium, whose only individual feature was a wiggly roof. However, I am reliably informed that from next season the seats will be removed from the home end. Progress.
In Dutch terms, the visitors journey from Friesland counts as a long haul. Even so, you expect to see more away supporters than this:
Our bus
and our group:
The Gelredome has a pitch on wheels. During the week it lies outside:
...before being rolled in for the game.
Once again, we were welcomed into the clubhouse.
The currency for buying beer was not Euro's, but munts.The stadium had a close roof, making it an indoor stadium. The contrast in feel to Essen can hardly have been greater.
The home fans gathered in the end to our right
Meanwhile, the small away supporters were away to our left. Given that Almelo is under an hour away, the visitor block was surprisingly empty.
Arnhem fans were mourning the death of a club legend, the eagle. RIP.
The club mascot was getting into the EFW spirit, though his hands were too big to hold the badge.
Arnhem were poor, Heracles a little better. The game finished in a 2-0 win for the guests.
Afterwards everyone cycled home.
Meanwhile we sunk a few more beers on the bus and listened to Hans reading out the confessions page of Zoo magazine. It was one of those 'you had to be there' moments.
Back in Tilburg, we enjoyed a few more beers in the local bars, before finally retiring to our hotel. It had been a memorable day.
Sunday 25th October: Willem II v Heerenveen
For our third day, and fourth game of the trip, we didn't have far to travel. Having stayed the weekend in Tilburg, we finally had the chance to see the local team, Willem II, take on fellow strugglers Heerenveen.
Konig Willem II sat here:
Posing with the team
The customary bike rack
John's joy at having to pose for yet another photo.
Inside, we found a fairly standard, uniform Dutch stadium, whose only individual feature was a wiggly roof. However, I am reliably informed that from next season the seats will be removed from the home end. Progress.
In Dutch terms, the visitors journey from Friesland counts as a long haul. Even so, you expect to see more away supporters than this:
EFW's newest recruit:
And some of the older folk:
And some of the older folk:
The early exchanges were not the best. Indeed the highlight of the first half was a rather nice rainbow.
That, as far as the EFW was concerned, was just about that. After one final look at the floodlights, we bade farewell to our new friends from around the continent.
After the interval, however, everything changed. The home team ran in four goals right in front of us, with only one reply. Sitting just behind the goal, we even made the ESPN highlights the following week.
That, as far as the EFW was concerned, was just about that. After one final look at the floodlights, we bade farewell to our new friends from around the continent.
Along with John, Olly and Andrew, we headed back to the station for the train back to Roosendaal, and onto Brussels.
En route, we once again passed Achter de Kazerne. The lights were on, as KV Mechelen were hosting Anderlecht.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to see this game, but we consoled ourselves by running through John's rules of groundhopping. The logic of them is just unquestionable.
Back in Brussels, we checked into the Hotel de France, which had some great staircases.
A trip to Brussels means just one thing though and soon enough we were heading up to the bars around the Grand Place, which was stunning as ever.
Andrew showed us one of the sights we had previously missed. While everyone knows about the Mannekin Pis, fewer know of the Jeanneke Pis. It's just as bad.
In return, we decided to show Andrew a nice little bar.
Just as we were sitting there, who turned up but Napolean! He told us about all of his great adventures and even gave Olly his hat to try on. So here is Olly as Napolean.
After an interesting discussion with Napolean, we headed off to another bar. This had its own brewery, inside the pub.
By midnight, we called it a day.
En route, we once again passed Achter de Kazerne. The lights were on, as KV Mechelen were hosting Anderlecht.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to see this game, but we consoled ourselves by running through John's rules of groundhopping. The logic of them is just unquestionable.
Back in Brussels, we checked into the Hotel de France, which had some great staircases.
A trip to Brussels means just one thing though and soon enough we were heading up to the bars around the Grand Place, which was stunning as ever.
Andrew showed us one of the sights we had previously missed. While everyone knows about the Mannekin Pis, fewer know of the Jeanneke Pis. It's just as bad.
In return, we decided to show Andrew a nice little bar.
Just as we were sitting there, who turned up but Napolean! He told us about all of his great adventures and even gave Olly his hat to try on. So here is Olly as Napolean.
After an interesting discussion with Napolean, we headed off to another bar. This had its own brewery, inside the pub.
By midnight, we called it a day.
Monday 26th October
The next morning, we had to work, so it was back to the Gare de Midi for the train home. All in all though, it had been a memorable trip. So thanks again Danny!
The next morning, we had to work, so it was back to the Gare de Midi for the train home. All in all though, it had been a memorable trip. So thanks again Danny!
