EURO 2024: Train line ‘blockage’ stalls Oranje’s semis preparations
A train line “blockage” on Tuesday stalled the Oranje’s semis preparations against England in the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
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TRAIN LINE ‘BLOCKAGE’ STALLS NETHERLANDS’ EURO 2024 PREPARATIONS VS ENGLAND
A train line “blockage” stalled the Netherlands’ EURO 2024 preparations against England as the Oranje hopes to get past the semifinals.
The train service from Wolfsburg to Dortmund was canceled at the last minute, the team said.
Furthermore, this slowed down the Dutch’s plan to get a train much earlier to fast-track their preparations for the semifinal matchup on Wednesday.
Moreover, the planned pre-match news conference with coach Ronald Koeman and defender Nathan Ake at Westfalenstadion was canceled.
The train service delay forced the Oranje team to fly the short trip to Dortmund.
“We are currently looking for other options,” a team statement said.
On the other hand, the news conference might just be held virtually over Zoom.
WARM TEMPERATURES IN GERMANY BLAMED FOR TRAIN SERVICE BLOCKAGE DELAY
Furthermore, warm temperatures in Germany have been blamed for the train service delay that hit the Netherlands’ squad.
Oranje players and staff were already on the train platform when they learned about the train service issues, Dutch media reported.
Moreover, team members usually take a walk on the field on the day before a game at EURO 2024.
Meanwhile, Koeman shrugged off the train issue that affected his team, saying that it gave them more rest.
“It was not a problem, we had a good rest this afternoon,” Koeman told UEFA in an interview.
“We were on the plane for just 30 minutes, arrived at our hotel and we can have a good rest tonight,” he added.
KOEMAN SAYS ORANJE REMAINS READY, CONFIDENT VS ENGLAND
Furthermore, Koeman assured the Oranje remained ready and confident in their crucial match against England.
“We know that there is really not much difference between the two teams, it’s really 50-50 in my opinion,” the Netherlands’ coach said.
“We know they (England) have a lot of individual qualities, but both teams are really strong and it will be a good fight,” he added.
The Oranje manager, however, admitted that his team would need “the perfect game to win” over England.
Moreover, England manager Gareth Southgate is convinced that the Netherlands’ preparation problems should not affect their performance tomorrow.
“I don’t see that having any impact on the game,” Southgate said.
“We don’t play ’till nine o’clock tomorrow, so there’s plenty of time. I’m sure they’ll still get their dinner,” he added.
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