Dutch fans party in Niagara

Thousands of world cup fans were gathered around the television this afternoon. The big game today was the Netherlands advancing after beating Australia.

the Netherlands fans arrived at M.T. Bellies bar in Welland this afternoon covered in orange — shirts, and flags and crazy hats.

“We love our Dutchies. We do so many fun things with them.”

M.T. Bellies owner John Clark brings a little bit of the old country into this party. Serving up Dutch pub snacks, bitterballen and pickled herring.

“And we get together for a little bit of love and a little bit of Dutch cheer. He wants to be Dutch you see.”

The singing, and the high fiving started with the Netherlands first goal. But minutes later, the Aussies put a scare in the crowd.

Graeme and Diane Murphy dared to be the only Aussie fans in the room: “It was closer than the Dutch predicted.”

Three – two for the Netherlands.

There is a large dutch community in Niagara. They’re all Netherlands fans and they’ll be parties across the region on Monday when the Netherlands takes on Chile.

There was a big upset at the World Cup Wednesday — another loss for Spain means the team won’t make it past the first round. And it turns out a St. Catharines referee was among those officiating the match.

Canadian assistant referee Joe Fletcher was on the field as Chile defeated Spain – the returning World Cup champions 2-0.

That means Spain has been eliminated from the World Cup. They lost their first game against the Netherlands. And only scored one goal.