Dutch preparations derailed
by train cancellation
The Netherlands’ travel plans for their Euro 2024 semi-final against England were thrown into disarray after their train to Dortmund was cancelled on Tuesday. Ronald Koeman and his side were due to travel by train from their base camp in Wolfsburg on Tuesday evening, in time for their pre-match media duties at Signal Iduna Park. Instead, they were informed by Deutsche Bahn, who run the German rail network, that their journey had been cancelled after a technical issue on another train caused chaos on the line.
“The Dutch team will not arrive in Dortmund until tonight, where the semi-final against England is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) evening,” read a statement from the KNVB – the Dutch Football Association.
“Players and staff were scheduled to travel from Wolfsburg to Dortmund by train this afternoon around 4pm. This train service has been cancelled due to a blockage on the route.”
A UEFA statement confirmed: “Due to the Netherlands’ team travel to Dortmund having been disrupted, their arrival time has been significantly delayed and therefore no (matchday) press conference will take place.”
Koeman, who had been due to speak to the media alongside Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, said earlier that he was looking forward to facing England. “It will be a great night on Wednesday between two big nations – a historic night,” the former Southampton and Everton boss said. “If we play in the final, my preference is Spain because we had France in the group. But first we must prepare in the best way to play a good semi-final.” (PA Media/DPA)
