Noa Vahle criticises subdued atmosphere at Netherlands home games

Sports reporter Noa Vahle has criticised the atmosphere at Netherlands home matches, arguing that Oranje supporters do not transfer their pre-match energy into sustained backing inside the stadium.

Speaking on the HNM podcast alongside Hélène Hendriks and Merel Ek, Vahle said Dutch fans excel at creating a festive occasion through the Oranje march, music and the well-known supporters’ bus. Once the game starts, however, she feels the crowd becomes too relaxed, with many spectators content to talk and watch over food and drinks rather than drive the team on vocally.

Vahle contrasted that culture with the intense support associated with Argentina, where organised fan leaders can help mobilise an entire stadium. She acknowledged that the Dutch Fanatics are attempting something similar at Netherlands games, but said the group remains too small to involve the wider crowd. Her frustration also extended to the frequent use of the Mexican wave, although she clarified that her complaint about it was partly tongue-in-cheek.

The reporter pointed to a match against Germany at the Johan Cruyff ArenA as an example of the problem, saying the visiting section had out-sung the home support. “I think that’s really rubbish,” Vahle said, as quoted by FCUpdate. Hendriks and Ek offered a different view, defending the family-friendly and convivial character of Oranje crowds.