Royal Family Praised in Houston: 'I Have My Doubts About Máxima…'

The enthusiasm of the royal couple was particularly striking. After the national anthem, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visibly applauded along with the Dutch supporters. Robert Maaskant discussed their presence on Sportnieuws.nl's World Cup football podcast.

Maaskant couldn't resist making a joke about Queen Máxima. "I think it's great that Willem-Alexander is there. But I have my doubts about Máxima, because she'll surely be cheering for Argentina if it gets exciting," Maaskant quipped, referring to the Queen of the Netherlands, whose Argentinian heritage often makes her the subject of jokes during international football tournaments.

In the stands, the royal couple sat next to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, one of the most talked-about figures in international football. Images were regularly shown of Willem-Alexander and Infantino engaged in conversation.

This led to a hilarious remark from Sportnieuws.nl analyst Ralf Seuntjens. "I would have loved it if Willem-Alexander and Infantino had talked with their hands over their mouths the whole time and then received a red card," joked Seuntjens, referring to the new rule that players are no longer allowed to cover their mouths when speaking.

In the new episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast, Ralf Seuntjens and Robert Maaskant discuss the euphoria following the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Sweden. Ronald Koeman receives high praise for his bold lineup choices.

Brian Brobbey is the celebrated man for Oranje, but Robert Maaskant still foresees a role for Memphis Depay in the next match against Tunisia. Cody Gakpo also receives advice, and they discuss the royal family's attendance at the match. All this and much more in the new episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast.