The fans witnessed a thunderous performance from the Netherlands against Sweden in a Group F game of the FIFA World Cup, and it was followed by real thunder and lightning at Houston Stadium that forced the authorities to ask the fans to take shelter inside the stadium. Netherlands decimated Sweden 5–1, and shortly after the final whistle, the fans were told to stay put as the weather turned dangerous. The stadium officials weren’t physically stopping the fans from making an exit, but urged the fans to stay inside as heavy rain lashed part of the city.
“Shelter in place. Please remain in your seats and follow instructions from stadium personnel,” the announcement read on the screens. Two days ago in Boston, World Cup fans were also alerted to a tornado warning in the region.
Nearly 68,777 fans, mostly pro-Netherlands, attended the match, and danced and cheered as music played while waiting for the all-clear to exit Houston Stadium.
The extreme weather has been one of the talking points of the World Cup, with severe conditions expected across the US, Mexico and Canada. The heat was a primary concern for the fans and players and to combat that two hydration breaks were introduced by the FIFA for the players, a decision that left the sporting fraternity divided. However, thunderstorms and rains were also set to present a different set of challenges for the teams and organisers.
Netherlands Take Top Spot
Meanwhile, the win helped the Netherlands take the top spot in the Group F points table, with a draw and a win. But the group is still wide open, and Japan and Tunisia have only played one game. Sweden, on the other hand, are placed second, with a win and a defeat. Both the Netherlands and Sweden are prime contenders to qualify from the group.
