Alright, it is a long shot that I would be able to get away for a week in February, but I checked on Orbitz. If you leave Saturday Feb. 14 and come back on the 20th, roundtrip airfare (non-stop to Amsterdam and then a 45 minute train) is $475. Should be a full US squad against Holland including 3-4 Fire players. I would love to see the "Fire Fans" banner on ESPN2 from Rotterdam!
Ok, so maybe I am getting ahead of myself. All signs point to an announcement that we will take the place of Germany in a Friendly on Feb. 18. Germany won't play because they are now paired in the same Euro 2004 Group. Still, I wouldn't book the tickets until it is confirmed, but it makes for some good off-season dreamin.
Just FYI, USSF says it isn't confirmed yet. Not that I would get down about it, but that's the line they're taking.
Big Win This is where we play...I duno how to load pictures. http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/netherlands/rotterdam_de_kuip.shtml
The USSF is always the last federation to confirm a match when involved. Same thing happened with Denmark, and prior games. USMNT vs Holland will be a fun game. It will either be held in Rotterdamn or Amserdam.
Feyenoord Rotterdam support is one of the roughest in Europe. Hopefully, someone will pull up the photo of the 4-5 year old kid in the Feyenoord shirt communicating in Italian sign language.
Holland games are always 1 big party. The Orange fans are just having a great time. Great characters they are
Hopefully Amsterdam. I have a better chance of going there then Rhotterdam. Also, being a High School student, I would rather go to Amsterdam. Rhotterdam? Why? Or move the game to Soldier Field, w/e work.
Rotterdam Fun I think of Rotterdam to Amsterdam as Chicago is to New York. A little bit less of everything - both the good and the bad - smaller, less expensive, more laid back, less touristy but still plenty of fun to be had. A local there once told me that "You can do and get everything in Rotterdam that you can do and get in Amsterdam but for half the price and twice the quality". Everything I tried there supported that statement and I highly recommend a visit there, even if the match ends up being in Amsterdam. For accommodations I would recommend Hotel Breitner http://www.hotelbreitner.nl/. Comfortable, reasonably priced (unless you are a student), conveniently/centrally located, and in a safe area. Undecided if I'll be there; we'll see what kind of flights I can get from Budapest. Very, very tempting though.
No, that's true. The Dutch fans, along with the Danes are comparatively much better sports at these national team events than most other successful Euro nations.
That's b/c they're often humbled. Nothing like getting your hopes up and then getting them crushed. Seriously, this gives me something to look forward to and I wish I could go.
2/18/04-Amsterdam Ok, game is now in Amsterdam. Leave O'Hare on the 14th around 5, get in to Amsterdam around 8 0r 9 am on the 15. Leave wednesday afternoon. About $425 or something on KLM.