It was a crisp June evening, and I found myself surrounded by a sea of orange in the heart of Amsterdam. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the Netherlands prepared to face Poland in the Euro Cup. As the national anthem echoed through the streets, I felt a surge of pride, memories of past matches flooding my mind.
I would never forget the afternoon sitting in a pub behind Montmartre in Paris, waiting for the game between the Netherlands and France. There was a table with a Dutch family: a very tall dad, a mom, and their son, dressed neatly in orange, watching the game on the big pub screen quietly. It was not too difficult to tell from afar that they were there for the Dutch team. :) That moment taught me how football brings the nation together, even when you are in a foreign land.
The First Game and the First Victory
The Dutch know how to celebrate, and a win in the Euro Cup is the perfect occasion for a grand festivity. From Amsterdam to Rotterdam, Utrecht to Eindhoven, the entire country bursts into a carnival-like atmosphere. Fans donning orange wigs, face paint, and jerseys flood the streets, singing and dancing to the famous chant, "Hup Holland Hup." The energy is infectious, and the celebrations often continue long into the night, creating memories that last a lifetime.
After the first win this weekend, stores proudly put up celebratory decorations to support the Dutch team, cheering for their favorite players. That's what football and the Euro Cup mean to me as a girl - the Unity and National Pride.
- HUP Holland HUP!-
Growing Up Oranje
My earliest memories of football are intertwined with the color orange. As a teenager, I watched in awe as my family and friends gathered around the television, their eyes glued to the screen as the National team weaved their magic on the pitch. Paint faces with the Dutch Flag, putting on an orange hat with sequins. It wasn't just a game; it was a celebration of our identity, our culture, and our unwavering belief in the beauty of football. The philosophy of "Total Football" was more than a tactic; it was a way of life that encouraged Creativity, Adaptability, and Unity.
Reflecting on History
The Netherlands has a storied football history, marked by numerous memorable moments and legendary players. From the near-miss of the 1974 World Cup, where they dazzled the world with Total Football, to the European Championship win in 1988 under the leadership of Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, Dutch football has consistently been at the forefront of the sport.
The legacy of legends like Johan Cruyff, whose vision and passion redefined the game. Each generation adds its own chapter to this ongoing story. Each Goal, each Save, felt like a collective Triumph.
Think about the moments that have made you cheer, laugh, and even cry.
Share with us your moments with football.
Football, after all, is more than just a game. It's a reflection of our Dreams, our Struggles, and our Triumphs. So, whether you're a die-hard fan of the Oranje or simply someone who enjoys the occasional match, let's celebrate this beautiful game together.
As we look forward to the NEXT Match, and the NEXT Victory, let's carry with us the spirit of unity and joy that makes our football experience so special.
Hup Holland Hup! Let's keep the orange spirit alive and kicking.
By Glamorous team
with Love and Pride
