BBC SPORT | Euro 2008 blog

Dutch bond grows stronger

Phil Gordos
21 Jun 08, 01:20 PM

Vienna

Another example of Dutch unity at Euro 2008: Netherlands fans will sing the football anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" a few minutes before tonight's quarter-final against Russia kicks off.

The gesture is a show of support for defender Khalid Bouhlarouz, who suffered a personal tragedy three days ago when he and his wife, Sabia, lost their prematurely-born baby daughter, Anissa.

The Dutch players will also wear black armbands during the game against the Russians as a mark of respect.

Phil Gordos is a senior broadcast journalist at BBC Sport Interactive. Please check our FAQs if you have any questions.

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Comments

1. At 2:56pm on 21 Jun 2008, Halbertsma wrote:
Well, for Holland the European Championship is still guite a party, is it not? So: we will win from Russia and because "Bouhla" is just one of our guys... I just hope that Russia will not score in the first minute. Imagine: Turkey scores in the last minute and Russia in the first... Whatever: Holland wins... let's party! I think...

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2. At 3:28pm on 21 Jun 2008, Halbertsma wrote:
All I want to say is: Watch Bouhla this evening. He is one of our 'working class heroes'. That's to say: Het is een harde werker! He earns our respect. It's great to have him in the Dutch team. See you all after the match!

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3. At 4:41pm on 21 Jun 2008, Dutchcloggie wrote:
Boulah is a strange case. When he plays badly, many people bring up the fact that he is from Moroccan origin. Now that he pkays really wel, people are quick to say he is realy part of the Dutch team and that he is Oranje's example of integration.
I reckon he is a great player and anyone who wants to play for Holland should be respected. His recent tragedy comes at what should have been the highlight of his carreer after a difficult year. I for one have immense respect for him if he plays tonight. Hup Holland. BTW: anyone know where Dutch peopel in the midlands gather to watch matches? I am feeling alone in my orange outfit in the pub!!!

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4. At 00:19am on 22 Jun 2008, Ashiq2 wrote:
Condolences to Bouhlarouz and his wife.

Shame the Dutch are out but Russia were the better team.

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5. At 1:23pm on 22 Jun 2008, Halbertsma wrote:
Yep! Russia were the better team...
And Happy Cloggie: That's not the case. Bouhla is just one of the view Moroccans who just want to participate. Most of the (young) Moroccans dislike everything that is Dutch or Western. But that's their problem. En "Gelukkig Klompie"... Kan je nou echt niks beters verzinnen, dan met een idiote, infantiele naam in het buitenland gaan zitten schijten op Nederlanders? You're not like Bouhla, obviously...

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6. At 5:07pm on 22 Jun 2008, Ashiq2 wrote:
How do you know what most young Moroccans like or dislike? Have you asked them all individually or are you basing this upon your perception of what an outspoken few may have said?

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