Lost in translation at Checkpoint Charley? Sign reads: University of Twente wishes FC Twente success. That was one.
If last year is any barometer to go by, Enschede’s population may embark on a wild street party this weekend if FC Twente should become titleholder for the second year in a row. After clinching the title last year for the first time in its 46-year history, people in the city and its surrounding parts went…well, mad.
For hours long, the city could not be reached by car, with enthusiastic supporters blocking the highway as far south as Deventer, waiting loyally for the bus transporting FC Twente players and silver champion plate.
Only after many hours could the team’s bus reach Enschede, accompanied by around 40,000 cheering fans that were ready to join the dancing crowds in the city center. By this time, a massive street party was well underway, immediately after FC Twente beat southern opponent football club NAC.
The subsequent tribute ceremony paid to FC Twente in the city hall also attracted many fans. Meanwhile, the city was draped in FC Twente’s team colors, red and white– from fashion dolls in shop windows to giant flags hanging from the city hall–even the UT sent congratulations with an impressive banner to their ‘football neighbors’ who were then still coached by English trainer Steve McClaren.
Perhaps because the team’s two star players Costa Rican Brian Ruiz and Dutch Theo Jansen – nicknamed Tattoo Theo for obvious reasons - stayed on to hold the Twente fort in tact, the club has moved on to the finals once more. This year’s opponent is Ajax, the mighty team from Amsterdam that once won the European League finals, and still has a reputation to uphold. So how can one engage in the contest this weekend between two fierce football giants? And if they win, how do the Tukkers hold an energetic street party?
- Buy something in the club’s colors. If not, a club scarf might suffice or perhaps hold a can of Grolsch with the FC Twente logo on it.
- Call or instant message your friends and flock to the Old Market to watch the match from large TV screens.
- While red and white is normally Twente’s color, they will play in blue shirts on Sunday. So don’t accidentally cheer for Ajax who will be wearing white T-shirts with a red core.
- When drinking beer, local brew Grolsch may the only one safe choice rather than Heineken (from Amsterdam) or worse, Amstel Beer (the river Amstel gave Amsterdam its name).
- Prepare for some ‘singing along.’ The lyrics to FC Twente’s club song ‘You’Il never walk alone’ will conveniently appear on many red and white scarves held high up in the air. A famous Dutch cheer is ‘Come on Twente Enschede.’ Yes, that’s it, no further lyrics. Less is more when it comes to supporting football. Keep it simple.
- Be prepared to get mildly soaked with water or other beverages when a goal has been scored by the red and whites, as some fans forget that they hold a glass in their hands when cheering or release its contents in a celebratory champagne fashion.
Should Twente win, prepare for massive dancing, wild flag waving, loud fireworks, and warm chats with total strangers. The widespread sound of car honking and people gathering at roundabouts is a common occurrence all over town. Everyone is open to be your friend on this day –no matter what place you may call your home–so don’t feel shy. The next day, you can watch the team’s reception at the city hall or celebrate with the club in their impressive stadium.
But right now, do some shopping first: various shops may be closed the day after, due to shopkeepers who are overly tired or suffer from a hangover. And in case Twente fails? Then be a good sport and offer its supporters a Grolschor your shoulder to cry on.
Read further the play-by-play article on last weekend’s match against Ajax fctwente.nl
Marloes van Amerom
