- Title: SWITZERLAND: FOORTBALL/SOCCER - EURO 2008 - Dutch fans in party mood
- Date: 14th June 2008
- Summary: (S3) BERNE, SWITZERLAND (JUNE 13, 2008) (REUTERS) STATUE IN HISTORICAL CENTRE WITH ORANGE T-SHIRT AND CONSTRUCTION CONE, SWISS PARLIAMENT IN BACKGROUND HEAD OF STATUE, LETTERS ON T-SHIRT READING 'ORANGE DRIVE'
- Embargoed: 29th June 2008 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Switzerland
- Country: Switzerland
- Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky,Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA1F6ATU437QSRJ4FJVLNZKA8RN
- Story Text: Dutch fans camping out in Switzerland are cheerfully confident they can beat France in their next Euro 2008 Group C match.
Group C teams return to action on Friday (June 13) with Netherlands taking on France in another mouthwatering fixture.
As they arrived in Berne, Dutch supporters showed confidence and pride following their 3-0 victory over world champions Italy on Monday (June 9).
The Oranje army is expected back at the 30,000-capacity Berne stadium.
Tens of thousands more Dutch supporters in Berne will have to be content to watch the match in public viewing areas.
French supporters are expected in the Swiss capital too, but they were nowhere to be seen in the morning (by 0800gmt).
Two Dutch friends hoped this was a good sign for their squad.
''I think 3-1 for the Netherlands!'' said one Dutch fan.
''French people are still sleeping. Tonight also!'' added his friend.
In their first Euro 2008 game, France struggled against Romania in a game that produced no goals.
France is now facing a struggle to survive a tough Group C and will hope for a better performance which may include captain Patrick Vieira and striker Thierry Henry back after injury.
The Dutch, by contrast, will be content with a repeat of their display against Italy in order to make sure of a place in the quarter-finals.
Thousands of Dutch fans who flocked to Berne are staying at three campsites on the outskirts of the Swiss capital. At the Oranje Dorp, literally 'Orange village', supporters got into the spirit of things with beer, barbecue and traditional music.
Surrounded by fellow Dutch fans, no one fears the French.
''French ? No, no, it's nothing !'' one Dutch supporter said dismissively.
In a quieter part of the camp, the same confidence prevails. Arends and his two friends arrived on Thursday (June 12) and will stay in Switzerland for a week - enough time to see two games.
''I think if Holland play against France just the same as to the Italian boys, I think they win again with 3-0,'' Arends said.
Netherlands top the table with three points followed by France and Romania with one while Italy have none. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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