The big match Netherlands-Norway goes for empty stands, but that does not stop one of Norway’s most ardent supporters.
Because while thousands of sluggish Dutch and Norwegian away supporters have to watch the match on TV, well-known Rune “Tribune” Eikeland has nevertheless taken the trip to Rotterdam together with about fifty other Norwegians.
He still lives in the hope of being allowed into the stadium and cheering the Norwegian boys on a sensational victory and a possible World Cup ticket.
– Jajaja, we’re trying to get to the stadium eventually. If we are chased from there, then we will make life in the center! We have lots of flags, supporter effects, trumpets and will create a great atmosphere! says Rune “Tribune” to TV 2.
– IHUGA: It was never a question of canceling the Rotterdam trip, according to Rune «Tribune». Now he still hopes to enter the stadium. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grøtt / BILDBYRÅN
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Believe in miracles
Eikeland says the trip to Rotterdam has been booked for many months.
– We are a group that usually travels a lot on trips, and when we have booked we go, he says, while the cheerful hiking team shouts in the background.
It was originally estimated that around 2,000 Norwegian away supporters would take the trip to the international match against the Netherlands.
With a sensational victory in Rotterdam, Norway will either win the group and go directly to the World Cup in Qatar, or end up in second place.
In that case, Norway must play out. The opposition can potentially be tough, but Rune “Tribune” has faith that the motherland can do the incredible.
– Norway’s chances are of course small, but the time of wonders is not over! I was in Düsseldorf in 2009 when Norway beat Germany 1-0 away, and then I think that a miracle can happen tonight as well. We can win again!
– ATTENDANCE: Also during the European Championship qualifier against Malta in November 2019, Rune and his team were in place. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grøtt / BILDBYRÅN
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Shouts old greats
– What do you have to say to those who may think that there is no point in going to the Netherlands when the match is to go for empty stands?
– This trip is great fun! We walk around here with Norwegian flags and create a great atmosphere. The Dutch come to us and shout “Roger Albertsen” and “Jan Egil Storholt” to us. They are completely with, Eikeland smiles.
For the record – Albertsen was a professional in the Dutch football clubs FC Den Haag and Feyenoord in the 70s and 80s.
Storholt was one of Norway’s great skaters, with gold in both the Olympics and the European Championships in the same time period. A well-known athlete in the ice-crazy Netherlands.
– Did you ever think about canceling the trip?
– No, never in the world!
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