AZ 3-0 NAC Breda
AFAS Stadion
Ere Divisie
18 January 2013
During the winter break I decided, despite having photographed them all, I would take my camera to all remaining away games this season, if for no other reason than you never know how long it will be before you visit again! Game 1, AFAS Stadion Alkmaar; and I already have run into a couple of problems.
Firstly, and for the first time in the Netherlands, I was informed I couldn't take the 'big' camera in (so you have to make do with poorer quality pictures from the 'snap and shoot'). Secondly, even a seasoned and yet still enthusiastic football fan like myself is left wondering if I can really be bothered to spend any more time and money watching NAC away.
Since the 0-0 draw in Zwolle at the end of September, NAC have played 6 away Ere Divisie fixtures and let in 22 goals in losing all six. And it is clear, to me anyway, that the winter break and trip to Spain has not improved matters. What makes this even worse in my eyes is that the coach was a defender himself. Surely he can see that some of those players are out of their depth? Rant Over.
About 20 mins into the game (already bored) I started playing around on my phone and tweeted out a picture of the game. I got a response from Joris (from www.doingthe116.com which I highly recommend) stating it was the best away end on the Netherlands. Thinking it through (thanks Joris, made the game go more quickly) I came to the conclusion he is right. There is a virtually unhindered view, plenty of room in the 'concourse', lots of toilets, and it is very easy to get in and out of. All very rare in the modern stadiums across my adopted homeland. Probably the only downside is shown in picture 11. This is one of the loudest PA systems I have come across and, coupled with the continual thudding of the paper fans the home club leave on everyone's seats by the home supporters, it can really piss you off!
I will, of course, continue to go, continue to take pictures and probably continue to moan, if for no other reason than, deep down, I still care.
Firstly, and for the first time in the Netherlands, I was informed I couldn't take the 'big' camera in (so you have to make do with poorer quality pictures from the 'snap and shoot'). Secondly, even a seasoned and yet still enthusiastic football fan like myself is left wondering if I can really be bothered to spend any more time and money watching NAC away.
Since the 0-0 draw in Zwolle at the end of September, NAC have played 6 away Ere Divisie fixtures and let in 22 goals in losing all six. And it is clear, to me anyway, that the winter break and trip to Spain has not improved matters. What makes this even worse in my eyes is that the coach was a defender himself. Surely he can see that some of those players are out of their depth? Rant Over.
About 20 mins into the game (already bored) I started playing around on my phone and tweeted out a picture of the game. I got a response from Joris (from www.doingthe116.com which I highly recommend) stating it was the best away end on the Netherlands. Thinking it through (thanks Joris, made the game go more quickly) I came to the conclusion he is right. There is a virtually unhindered view, plenty of room in the 'concourse', lots of toilets, and it is very easy to get in and out of. All very rare in the modern stadiums across my adopted homeland. Probably the only downside is shown in picture 11. This is one of the loudest PA systems I have come across and, coupled with the continual thudding of the paper fans the home club leave on everyone's seats by the home supporters, it can really piss you off!
I will, of course, continue to go, continue to take pictures and probably continue to moan, if for no other reason than, deep down, I still care.