Onslaught of Dutch people: caravan stopover at Leipzig's "Kulki"

Numerous Dutch people had to reverse again in front of the campsite on Lake Kulkwitz in Leipzig. A sign at the entrance gate indicated that the pitches for caravans and motorhomes were fully booked. However, some enthusiasts from the neighboring country had made provisions and booked in good time after the group draw. "Some Germans were quicker this time. After all, it's the start of the vacations in Saxony. Nevertheless, the rush from the Dutch is huge," Petra Schumann from Leipziger Seen GmbH told the German Press Agency and compared it to the 2006 World Cup. The Dutch also played in Leipzig back then and came in droves.

Watching soccer right by the lake

Only 160 of the 200 or so pitches went to the Elftal fans. The small, cozy campsite on a small headland directly in the lake, which is only called "Kulki" and attracts divers from all over Germany due to its perfect water quality, is almost completely in Oranje look. "We booked right after the draw," said Sandra Tatje from the Netherlands to dpa. She is there with family and friends. "Whether young or old, we often travel to tournaments. First Hamburg, now Leipzig and then Berlin - this is our annual vacation," emphasized the supporter, who comes from Zwolle near Amsterdam, a good 400 kilometers away, while the sausages sizzled on the barbecue and the match between Spain and Italy was shown on the TV to get in the mood.

Another thunderstorm on match day?

However, the Elftal fans had hoped for slightly better weather. There has hardly been a rain-free day in recent days. The forecast for the matchday is not exactly ideal either. "There are signs of another thunderstorm in the second half of the day on Friday," said Florian Engelmann from the German Weather Service. Heavy rain is to be expected, but storms and hail cannot be ruled out either.

The Netherlands and France will meet in Leipzig this Friday. According to the organizers, up to 40,000 supporters from the Netherlands alone are expected in the fan zone. "We have an app so we always know where and when to meet up with all the fans," said Tatje in view of the fan marches.