Watching Tottenham-Ajax tonight?
I immediately admit that I am a success viewer. My beloved struggles through Studio Sport every Sunday, has a crying heart when Ajax loses, and sacrifices years of his life over missed goals. But tonight is his night. In fact, as I write, he is buying a TV to not miss the match here in Italy. I bet four million Dutch people will watch the semi-final tonight. And because I know that many of you are just like me and are now joining in because it really is special, I have gathered some information with which we will still make an impression. Let's go.
1. The stadium
Tottenham Hotspur played for more than a hundred years at White Hart Lane. Recently, they have a new stadium built a hundred meters next to White Hart Lane (that stadium will remain there for concerts and simply as a tribute). They had never lost a match in this stadium until... Last Sunday. So a dent in their confidence. And we (yes, we, yes) are going to take full advantage of that tonight.
2. Two capital clubs
They in London, we in Amsterdam, with the only difference that London has, I believe, six football clubs. In the past, my beloved forced me to memorize them, including stadiums, but that hope has since been given up. I have other talents, you should think.
3. Next time at our place
Don't make the blunder of saying that it's unfair that this match takes place in the opponent's home stadium. On May 8, we will turn the circus around and play the semi-final in Amsterdam.
4. Former Ajax players at Tottenham
At Tottenham, four players who used to belong to Ajax are playing. The Dane Christian Eriksen, two Belgians: Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, and Colombian Davinson Sánchez. Especially for Jan, it will be a special reunion, as he has a special relationship with Amsterdam and Ajax. As a fifteen-year-old boy, he came to live with a host family in Amsterdam to follow Ajax's youth academy. He lived with a family in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and attended 5 and 6 vwo at a school in Bijlmer. His first walk through the city was immediately over the Red Light District, which he didn't tell his parents.
5. More about Jan Vertonghen
He has a Dutch girlfriend, Sophie de Vries, and still has a house in the Rivierenbuurt where he once wants to live again. By the way, his favorite restaurant is Bellini in Buitenveldert. Yes, yes, now you know that too. Just some fun information between the bitterballen.
6. 22 years ago
In 1997, Ajax last reached the semi-final of the Champions League. That was still in the time of Edwin van der Sar, Danny Blind, Frank and Ronald de Boer (by the way, I know someone who had two cats named Frank and Ronald, indeed, after the De Boertjes) and Marc Overmars.
7. That Erik ten Hag
Although you wouldn't say it when reading the above information, I have no understanding of football. But what I heard next to me was sighing and groaning when Ten Hag became the coach of Ajax. Something about shame and unworthy of the club and more of that. But that man has done fantastically. Just be humble and build. You stand hard in the semi-final and have put Ronaldo in the corner for a moment. Then you are a boss. Period.
I would say, dear friends, have fun tonight. Forza Ajax, as they say here. Because all of Italy is now for us since Juve is out.
