Case of third time unlucky for Dutch
Oranje unable to end finals hoodoo
So much for three times being a charm. There was no such thing as third time lucky for the Netherlands at the World Cup as they once again played the bridesmaid’s role in 2010.
The Dutch had watched with tearful eyes back in 1974 and 1978 when first West Germany and later Argentina beat them to football’s ultimate title.
In Cape Town 10 years ago, when they overcame Uruguay 3-2 in the semi-final to set up a clash with first-time finalists Spain, many believed the time for Die Oranje to finally be crowned kings of world football had arrived.
After all, unlike in previous finals, they were not taking on the hosts. And so there would be no pressure brought to bear on match officials like was the case in Munich or Buenos Aires when they finished as runners-up to the home sides.
Surely this was their turn?
Though the majority of the squad captained by Giovanni van Brockhorst would not have been born to have witnessed it live, they no doubt would have watched videos of the 1974 final match.
In arguably the most dramatic start to a world cup final, the Dutch scored the opening goal a mere 80 seconds into the game, before any German player could touch the ball.
Teasing the hosts with a series of passes at walking pace, the Netherlands delivered the 15th pass to Johan Cruyff, who weaved his way into the box, only to be hacked for a penalty kick that Johan Neeskens converted.
That flying start did not, however, result in glory as the Germans staged a comeback to win 2-1. Paul Breitner equalised from the spot on 25 minutes and Gerd Muller headed home the winner just before half-time.
Four years later, the Dutch again reached the final where they faced hosts Argentina in a packed stadium in Buenos Aires. The home side played mind games by walking onto the pitch five minutes late.
The gamesmanship didn’t end there as Argentina protested against Rene van de Kerkhof playing with a plaster on his wrist, the fact he’d participated in the previous two matches with it notwithstanding. The Dutch threatened to walk off the pitch and the referee allowed Van de Kerkhof to play on provided he covered the plaster with more bandage.
Flustered, the Netherlands conceded the first goal to Mario Kempes but equalised through substitute Dick Nanninga. They could have won it late in the game had Rob Rensenbrink’s shot not ricocheted off the post.
Argentina scored two in extra-time via Kempes and Daniel Bertoni to leave the Dutch second best again.
Against Spain in Johannesburg 10 years ago, they had great chances to win the match. Arjen Robben missed a sitter on 62 minutes after being put through by Wesley Sjneider.
Even when they were reduced to 10 men, thanks to John Heitinga getting sent off for a second bookable offence, they always looked like they could succeed in a match that needed extra-time to decide the winner.
Andres Iniesta slotted home the match’s solitary goal late in extra-time with most in the crowd already bracing themselves for a penalty shootout. Spain thus became the first Uefa affiliate to win the World Cup outside Europe, the Dutch once again losing a final despite having given it their all.
Yet another immensely talented group of Dutch players failed at the ultimate stage of the game’s premier competition. You can bet they now don’t subscribe to the saying – third time lucky in the Netherlands.