In The Hague, Danny van Dijk believes that transforming his street into a vibrant orange spectacle will finally bring success to the Netherlands in their quest for a maiden World Cup title. For 26 years, whenever the Dutch national team competes in a major football championship, Van Dijk and his neighbors have adorned Marktweg, turning it into 'Orange Street.'
A Sea of Orange
The street is a sea of orange, with houses draped in orange tarpaulins, orange pennants stretching across the road, and giant photos of players in orange kits plastered on lamp-posts and trees. Visitors from across the country come to witness this display of unwavering support.
Unwavering Support Despite Past Failures
Despite being three-time finalists, the Netherlands have never won the World Cup. However, Van Dijk has a 'good feeling' this year, believing the team will triumph. The street is adorned with 77 kilometers of flags, a tribute to his mother, who passed away in March at age 77 and was a former figurehead of the event. Her unifying spirit endeared her to the public.
'We get to meet other people; all you see are smiles. We bump into people from the neighborhood but also people who've come from all over the Netherlands,' said Van Dijk. The national team will open their campaign on Sunday against Japan in Arlington, Texas. 'It's going to be a truly brilliant day,' he says excitedly.
Visitors Share Their Excitement
Dini Netten, 58, traveled from the north of the country to see the street. 'It's absolutely magnificent. Every two years, it's a real highlight for me,' she said. Coby Pronk, a 65-year-old resident of The Hague, came two months ago when the decorating began and returned to see the final result. 'It's a wonderful initiative; it's truly magnificent, the most beautiful street in the country,' she said.
'You can really feel the organizers' enthusiasm; football brings people together,' said Anouk Vermolen, 28, who came with her partner. 'It was my idea to come here, even though I don't even watch football,' laughs the young woman, who hopes her country will win the final. In the end, she said, 'it will depend mainly on the team, and not so much on the street decorations.'
