The Netherlands’ preparations for its match against England in the European Championship semifinals were disrupted yesterday (Macau time) when they had to rearrange travel plans to host city Dortmund because of a “blockage” on a train line.
The Dutch were due to get a train from Wolfsburg to Dortmund but the service was canceled, the team said.
The squad instead was having to fly around 300 kilometers to Dortmund, forcing the cancellation of the Netherlands’ planned pre-match news conference at Westfalenstadion with coach Ronald Koeman and defender Nathan Aké.
Dutch media reported that players and staff were on the train platform when they learnt about the issues with the service. Germany has been hit with very warm temperatures.
Members of the team typically take a walk on the field on the day before a game at Euro 2024.
England coach Gareth Southgate said he didn’t expect the Dutch to be too affected by the disruption.
“We don’t play until 9 p.m. tomorrow so there’s plenty of time,” Southgate said with a smile. “I’m sure they’ll still get dinner when they arrive.” STEVE DOUGLAS, DORTMUND, MDT/AP
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