Netherlands
Stadion Galgenwaard
Stadion Galgenwaard was opened in 1982. At the time it was one of the most modern stadiums in the world, especially due to the moat around the pitch. After 20 years tenant FC Utrecht felt the need for expansion and renewal. The main stand was moved to the north side.
The old main stand was taken care of right after that and a year later FC Utrecht had two new stands along the long side of the pitch. The stands at the short sides of the pitch were replaced later. The stadium has around 24 000 seats now. Since January 2002, the home of FC Utrecht is called Stadion Galgenwaard.
Several international matches of the Dutch national football team were played in the stadium, the first one against Sweden in 1983.
The stadium was also the host of two World Cup finals. In 1998 The Dutch hockey squad became world champions after beating Spain in the final. The final of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
was played in Stadion Galgenwaard too. Argentina won the final, beating Nigeria 2-1, with two goals of football star Lionel Messi.
