The streets of Lurgan in Northern Ireland were filled with German football fans on Saturday, July 5, as they all marched together prior to the completion of a tie after a 65-year wait.
It all began when, during the Cold War, the Irish team, Glenvanon, qualified for the European club championship. They were selected to play against the German team Erzgebirge Aue, but were unable to complete their tie against the team due to the growing Cold War tensions of the time.
The Iron Curtain fell across Europe. Erzgebirge, then known as Wismut, were denied entry to the British embassy, and similarly, Glenavon were forced to withdraw from the competition after having their travel visas, which would have granted them entry into East Germany, revoked.
The match had football fans from both countries not only excited for a game, but glad that times have changed enough to allow it to be completed. Such historic games often create quite a buzz in the world of sports betting. Especially when the meaning behind the game makes it so no one really minds who wins or loses, only that the game was able to take place. These kinds of games call for both teams to score (BTTS) betting, where, as the name would suggest, bettors can benefit from betting on the success of both teams in play. Not only that, but those interested can take a look at BTTS predictions today to help inform their decisions and do so completely free of charge.
However, this time, this betting market would only have paid out for bettors who selected ‘no’. The first leg of the match that should have taken place 65 years ago happened last year in Germany’s Saxony region, with Erzgebirge able to take home an impressive 5-0 win. Then, on 5 July, the second leg took place, and Germany won again, beating Glenavon 2-0, with both goals scored by Erik Weinhauer.
As much as the win was a delight for the German supporters, many commented on the hospitality of their Irish hosts and the joy that came with the completion of this important game. Before the match, the streets of Lurgan turned purple as Erzgebirge marched to the stadium in their team’s colours. Among the fans was the ‘Violet Bikers’, Erzgebirge’s motorcycle supporters’ club, who had travelled across the whole of Europe in a motorcade.
The day saw some German fans trying Buckfast for the first time, with many giving the staple drink their approval. Others marched to the stadium, singing club songs and crossing their arms in a way that symbolised a hammer and a chisel in representation of their hometown’s mining history.
The supporters liaison officer at Glenvanon stated that Ireland wanted to reciprocate the hospitality the Irish team and its supporters had received in Germany last year, and it’s safe to say this one was done effectively. The completion of a tie after a 65-year-long wait will not be soon forgotten, not by the fans, and certainly not by the players.
