Despite it keeping them up late at night, many European fruit and vegetable traders cannot resist the urge to watch the World Cup Matches. We found four traders who come from the countries of the semi-finalists: The Brazilian Carlos André de Faria (Sun City), the Argentinian Abdel Raúl Sendón (Frutos Nor Patagonia), the German Mike Port (Port International) and Dutchman Wim van der Burgh (Rainbow International) and asked them about their expectations.
Clockwise from the top left: Carlos André de Faria, Mike Port, Wim van der Burgh and Abdel Raúl Sendón
Argentinian soft fruit producer Abdel Raúl Sendón said to be closely following the World Cup. "I'm watching most matches, although I've had to miss some due to them overlapping with working hours." His Brazilian colleague Carlos André de Faria, who manages the European sales office in Bleiswijk, from the mango producer Sun City, is also watching as many matches as possible. For football fan Mike Port, this was not possible until now. "Due to how busy we have been, including a trip to Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic, where I'll be watching the game with our suppliers of bio-Max Havelaar bananas, I haven't had a chance to see much of this exciting World Cup."
Orange Trophy
Wim van der Burgh watched only the Dutch national team and some snippets of other matches during the first two weeks. "However, I started watching more as the World Cup progressed, especially because the level of almost all games is just so good. Additionally, my nephew and namesake Wim van der Burgh, along with Mark Mustard, are taking part in the Orange Trophy, a ride of over 25,000 km (New York-Rio de Janeiro) through 14 countries with orange cars/motorcycles. Rainbow is a co-sponsor which has meant that I have had 'Orange fever' for a few months."
"Nephew" Wim van der Burgh and Mark Mosterd
Confidence
Confidence in their national teams is not as strong for everyone. Carlos André calls the Brazilian team "the worst since 1990." Abdel Raúl Sendón is more positive about the Argentinian team. "The team is playing better every game. Despite much criticism about their game, they have reached the semi-finals. Eventually, the team who scores the most is the one that wins." Mike Port describes the performance of the German team as very efficient. "They presented their most attractive game against Portugal. This is what we should be aiming at against Brazil." Wim van der Burgh admits that he didn't think the Dutch would go beyond the 1/8 finals, "But the group is so well put together and knows exactly what to do to reach their best. I'm not a fan of Van Gaal, but he is proving to be a top coach, and with a technical staff with an Ajax background and a team with a lot of (ex-) Feyenoord players, this is quite unique."
Favourite player
Carlos André Faria considers the Brazilian defender David Luiz his favourite player. His Argentinian colleague says that "although I have great appreciation for Messi's game, I think he misses the leadership skills of the great players, although this is likely to come with time." Mike Port's favourite player is Thomas Muller, "because he doesn't give himself airs and graces and just plays football; secondly, Robben, because in the right situation, he is able to give the right push. This is something that Wim van der Burgh has also noticed. "Arjen Robben is definitely my favourite player, not only of the Dutch team, but in the whole world!"
Favourite for the title
For Carlos André de Faria, Brazil and Germany are the big favourites. He predicts a 2-1 win in the semi-finals for Brazil. His Argentinian colleague believes that, given Argentina's claims, the national team will surely reach the finals and also win. Against the Netherlands he also expects a 2-1 win. "It will undoubtedly be a tough match, although not necessarily difficult." Mike Port has no title favourite. "This World Cup has already had so many surprises, anyone could win. My prediction for Germany-Brazil is a 3-2 win for Germany. Wim van der Burgh secretly thinks that the Dutch team will become champion this time. "I expect a Netherlands-Germany final. I think we'll beat Argentina 2-0 and that Cillessen will stop a penalty from Messi..."
Source of discussions
The World Cup is a great source of discussions for all traders. "It is impossible not to talk about it, both with family, friends, colleagues and customers. Football is everywhere during the World Cup." concludes the Argentinian. Although Mike Port will watch tonight's match with his suppliers, he says he doesn't have that many discussions about football with his horticultural contacts. It is a different story for Wim van der Burgh, "I speak with most of my foreign contacts about the World Cup; Russians, Danes, Swedes, Spaniards, Englishmen, and so on. All give praise to the Dutch team, although my Spanish friends were a little cranky after that first match," he concludes, laughing.