Question re. World Cup fans violence from ignorant American

[NEWSAP2112]

Greetings.

Back in the 90's I worked for a major, Netherlands-based, chemical manufacturer. I was, at the time, a typical American only vaguely aware that there was some big Soccer/Football game going on somewhere about which the Dutch folks were very excited. As I happened to be chatting with my non-Dutch boss, he shared with me the following:

- The game was Netherlands vs. Brazil
- It was the final game. The winner would take the cup. The game was in progress.
- 2 of our senior managers were, at that very moment, sitting in a bar in Sao Paulo Brazil, dressed head-to-toe in orange and waving Netherlands flags.

At that moment, I began to internally root for Brazil with all my heart, because I envisioned our 2 senior managers being shipped back in boxes if the Netherlands had won. Brazil won. When I discussed my view with one of them afterward, they didn't get it.

Here are my questions:

- I consider what they did to be among the most ill-advised things any individuals I have known has ever done. Am I exaggerating?
- What sort of real danger were they in? I imagine that they were safer in a nice bar in Sao Paulo than some local pub out in the countryside, with the difference being that they may have just been beaten, as opposed to being hacked apart with machetes.

With respect for all, especially the fine people of Brazil,
NEWSAP2112

[blueteeth]

Just clarifying:

http://www.eatliver.com/i.php?n=3849

[bgamble]

I watched most of the matches in a great outdoor beer garden with a huge TV. Prague is a very international city and there were always large crowds from each country at each match.

But I found it really amazing that although there was lots of team loyalty. Flag waving, chanting, all that kind of stuff, There was never any animosity.

Perhaps It was because I was on neutral ground or maybe that just a world cup thing

[VLozano]

Let's say the violent hooligans are the less of the soccer's fans, but the ones who do more noise. The chances of be agreded are low in a fair place. But after I heared through my window yesterday (yes, I am the Spaniard who didn't watch the match), I doubt any netherland supporter would be true safe in my neighborough if dressed all in orange. Bloody tribal instincts