A crowd of over 700 Spain supporters brought the roof down at the fan zone in Houthalen-Helchteren in Limburg Province last night, when the Spanish national squad claimed victory in the Euros, the European football championships. The fans watched the match on a giant screen outside of Hogar Español (Spanish hearth), Limburg’s last Spanish club.
The old coalmining region of Limburg is home to a sizeable Spanish community and for Spain fans it was nail-biting until the last minute yesterday, but after the final whistle the party could start.
"Spain started strong and finished strong. They were the only team that constantly gave high-level performances during this European Championship. It was obvious they were going to win, but the ball is round and it was exciting until the end" the Pascual Family tell VRT.
Mayor Alain Yzermans of Houthalen-Helchteren also celebrated along with the Spanish community last night. "Our municipality is very diverse. At every championship we have had a winner. Last time it was Italy and today it's Spain. It is very nice to see how club Hogar Español was able to bring everyone together to celebrate. An evening full of warmth, colour, fireworks and emotion that will not quickly be forgotten."
