Serbian and Dutch fans throw party in Leipzig

LEIPZIG, June 11 (Reuters) Thousands of happy fans from Serbia&Montenegro and the Netherlands sang, danced and drank together before the two teams meet in their first World Cup match in Group C in Leipzig.

The fans exchanged shirts, scarves and best wishes for an enjoyable World Cup as they danced to the music of a Serbian brass band in the central Augustusplatz square.

''It's great to be here and make new friends, that's what the World Cup is all about. Football definitely brings people together,'' said a 43-year-old Dutch fan from Groningen.

A dozen orange-painted trabants -- cars dating back to communist-era East Germany -- caused a massive cheer as they drove into town with Dutch fans waving their flags.

''This is absolutely fantastic. The Dutch are such a great bunch, we are having the time of our lives and feel completely safe although we are outnumbered by about five to one,'' said Milan Stojanovic, a 27-year-old Serbian fan from Sid.

REUTERS PDS KP1906