The Netherlands had their journey to Dortmund on Tuesday for the European Championship semifinal in opposition to England disrupted and had been pressured to desert their plans to journey by practice, the Dutch Soccer Affiliation (KNVB) stated.
As a substitute, they needed to fly to Dortmund from their base in Wolfsburg, arriving at their lodge at 21h35, some 4 hours later than deliberate.
“The practice service was cancelled resulting from a blockage on the route,” the KNVB stated.
They deliberate to journey at 1600 native time however then needed to change plans and take a airplane to Dortmund, the place they’re staying in a single day earlier than the sport on Wednesday.
It meant the pre-match press convention with coach Ronald Koeman was cancelled, however the Dutch boss shrugged of the delay and stated his workforce was nicely rested and able to face England.
“It was not an issue, we had a great relaxation this afternoon, we had been on the airplane for simply half-hour, arrived at our lodge and we will have a great relaxation tonight,” Koeman stated in an interview with UEFA.
As for the conflict in opposition to England, Koeman sounded a assured observe.
“We all know that there’s actually not a lot distinction between the 2 groups, it is actually 50-50 for my part,” he stated of the conflict on the BVB Stadium. “However we’ll want the proper sport to win.
“We all know they’ve plenty of particular person qualities, however each groups are actually robust and will probably be a great battle.”
The Dutch had not deliberate a coaching session on the stadium, having accomplished their preparations in Wolfsburg earlier on Tuesday.
Groups are entitled to a coaching session on the venue on the eve of the match, however don’t all the time take up the choice.
England’s supervisor Gareth Southgate stated he didn’t count on it could have an effect on their opponents.
“I do not see that having any affect on the sport. We do not play until 9 o’clock tomorrow, so there’s loads of time. I am positive they will nonetheless get their dinner.”
The Dutch had beforehand travelled by practice to their group stage match in opposition to Austria in Berlin.
The rail system in Germany, often held up as mannequin of effectivity, has been criticised through the Euros for delays.
When the Dutch went to Berlin by practice they had been pressured to take a flight again to Wolfsburg due to a restricted service.
Info from ESPN’s James Olley was included on this report.
