Dutch courage

IT took a bit of Dutch courage to join the sea of fans from the Netherlands when your only accomplice at the World Cup final is the referee, writes Stan Szecowka.

Within minutes of arriving I was spotted as an English fan and asked if I knew the difference between a tea bag and the England football team. No, I replied before the answer was given with a broad grin, a teabag lasts longer in the cup.

It was going to be a long night.

But the orange army was in good spirits at the Rugby Club as members of the Dutch Association of Bahrain gathered for the climax of football's spectacular in South Africa surrounded by television sets in every corner ... and whatever the score it was going to be a memorable occasion.

Flags, giant foam hands, hats and hooters and some families came dressed for the occasion sporting dresses made in the colours of the Dutch flag.

The good folk from Holland were up for a party and it was obviously going to be a cheap night as everyone was going Dutch (couldn't resist dropping that one in, for the unfamiliar 'go dutch' (verb) means share expenses equally and split the cost of something).

There was no expense spared in the kitchen, however, as Dutch families in the kingdom joined forces to create basketfuls of mouth-watering 'bitterballen' delicacies made from meat, eggs, flour and herbs which were deep-fried at the club and handed out to the fans.

Despite the noisy roar of support, the ooohs and aaahs and the constant clapping and chanting it was not going to be third time lucky for the Dutch although I was right about something ... it was a long night.

With a few minutes before the end of extra time Spain scored the only goal of the game to break Dutch hearts. Heads sunk into hands as the Netherlands lost out again in the final.

A small group of Spanish fans in the corner of the room erupted in joyous celebration.

Claudia Van Pijkeren, secretary of the Dutch Association of Bahrain, summed up the feelings of her members: "It was very draining, so close and yet so far. Friends have suggested that I should be happy because we are the second best football team in the world, but not today, maybe tomorrow.

"Now, I'm just very sad and disappointed. Both sides had their chances and Spain finally took theirs at the end, it was a close call ... but it's not like we lost 5-0."

The Dutch may have lost the match ... but boy, weren't those bitterballens good!