Things got ugly and physical between Netherlands and England soccer fans before Wednesday’s 2024 Euro Cup semi-final showdown.
The Dutch and English played in the second Euro Cup semi-final game at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, Germany. England won 2-1 to advance to the Euro finals, where they will face Spain.
Before the game, shocking video footage surfaced of fans from both countries engaging in a vicious brawl that included people throwing benches, stools and glass bottles. Unfortunately, a nearby restaurant was the victim of vandalism during the brawl:
According to the Daily Mail, one staff member at the brawl said the fight started when Dutch supporters tried stealing a flag from a group of English fans ahead of the highly-touted Euro Cup showdown. The Daily Mail was also told, “The Dutch were saying to the English that they were going to go home and lose tonight.”
The outlet also heard that nobody was seriously injured, though police arrested several people at the scene. The damage caused, however, forced the restaurant to shut down business for the day.
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Xavi Simons opened the scoring for Netherlands in the seventh minute, but English star Harry Kane tied it up 11 minutes later on a penalty kick. Ollie Watkins played hero for England by scoring the game-winner in extra time to send his nation to their second straight Euro Cup Final.
England vs. Spain For The 2024 Euro Cup
England lost to Italy on penalty kicks in the 2020 Euro Cup Final, preventing them from securing the nation’s first tournament triumph.
Spain won it all in 1968, 2008 and 2012. They’ll now try to become the first nation to win four Euro Cup tournaments, currently tied with Germany (winners in 1972, 1980 and 1996) for the most titles.
Spain won back-to-back Euro Cup titles in 2008 and 2012, with a 2010 World Cup victory celebration in between. England last won the World Cup back in 1966, so we’ll see if this longtime global soccer powerhouse can finally bring a major championship back home to its long-suffering fans.
