It has only been public knowledge for short that one of the major World Cup activities this year in Eindhoven will go on: the 18 Septemberplein will be re-baptized the fan square of Eindhoven. Bart Zoontjens, owner of café Thomas and Spijker at Stratumseind, tells us more about it: “In the fan square there will be a huge LED screen measuring 9 x 15 meters. It will be installed by Hyundai, one of the sponsors of the World Cup. Eindhoven will be the only city in the Netherlands to have the mega screen. And if 18 Septemberplein attracts enough attention, footage of this will be broadcast during half-time of the Dutch team’s matches.” Zoontjens therefore calls on everybody to come to the square. “It’s going to be one big party. We are starting ninety minutes in advance with live music, and after the match there will be performances as well.”

In ‘sportcafé’ Altstadt at Stratumseind they are positive: this is the place to be for World Cup football! There are orange flags hanging outside and inside the pub is also tinged with an overwhelmingly festive orange glow. “We have three TV sets, one big screen and a screen on the terrace”, says the barman with enthusiasm. He thinks they are the sports café of Eindhoven. To confirm this he is showing us a photo of the owner on a racing bicycle. “And if the Netherlands should lose, then we shall support another country. First Spain and then Argentina. Which means that foreign students can also have great fun watching the matches here.” (HB)/.

Café Altstadt is located at Stratumseind 71, café Thomas and Spijker are also located at Stratumseind, opposite Sint-Joriskerk. 18 Septemberplein is the big square in front of shopping center Piazza, near the central station.