Ode to Maastricht: Romans, history, grace and goals

Words: Han Balk

Images: Han Balk

Come to my beautiful town,

come with me, I'll show you around.

Beautiful people with love in their mind

leave all your troubles behind.

Come and I'll show you my roots

brush up your hair, shine your boots,

city of Romans, of history and grace

it's such a beautiful place.

City of Maastricht, my love in my heart

tells me that we'll never part.

When one thinks of Maastricht, the foundation treaty of the European Union might come to mind, rather than MVV Maastricht.

However it is the fiddle not football which has been the Dutch city’s premier export, via the 'King of the Waltz', André Rieu, who, with his orchestra, fills music halls and stadiums all over the world.

The history of Maastricht dates back over 2000 years. Originating at the point where the Roman road Via Belgica crossed the river Meuse. Maastricht comes from Mosa Trajectum, meaning 'crossing of the Meuse'.

Foreign influences abound in Maastricht. The city is cosmopolitan and Burgundian and a popular destination for a weekend getaway. The Limburg hills and cities like Aachen, Genk, and Liège are just around the corner.

©Han Balk/ Terrace Edition. MVV Maastricht vs VVV Venlo.

MVV Maastricht has been playing in the Dutch Eerste Divisie (second level) since their last relegation in 2000. Although the club has come close to promotion a few times times, the Sterrendragers (Star Carriers) still haven't managed it. The club is once again facing financial difficulties.

The club of Maastricht have averted bankruptcy several times in recent decades. This season is not different, the club has applied for and received a deferment of payment from the municipality of Maastricht.

Last season, the Sjengen (a nickname for people from Maastricht) finished fifth in the standings, a position that qualifies them for the playoffs. This year, that momentum couldn't quite be sustained, but in the last match of the season, there's still a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Not only must they win at home against VVV Venlo, but results on other fields must also go their way. A match between two clubs from the province Limburg, but not a real derby. MVV vs Roda JC Kerkrade is the real Limburg derby.

It won't be for lack of support from the MVV fans. The stadium is sold out. The passionate supporters have organized a fan march and a banner stretches across the Angel-side stand with the words in Maastrichtian dialect: " We stand along the sideline and faithfully do our best, singing this song anew each time" - a line from the club anthem: "Jao dat is us MVV" ("Yes, that's our MVV").

On the field, "Us MVV'ke" (Our MVV) does what it needs to do, with the team leading 2-0 within half an hour. The atmosphere is great, especially if the results on other fields go their way. Even if the other matches turn, the mood remains upbeat.

Probably caused by the fact that rivals Roda JC are 2-0 down and will miss direct promotion to the Eredivisie.

MVV ends up empty-handed, missing out on the playoffs on goal difference. But they end the 2023-2024 season with their heads held high.

"Ode to Maastricht" is perhaps the most beautiful Dutch stadium anthem I know. One thing is certain, it won't be leaving my mind anytime soon.