ORANJEBOOM AND BUST... THE DUTCH HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE

JON WEST

BY

HOLLAND have a history of plucking disaster from the brink of glory.

1974

Johan Cruyff and his band of Total Footballers went 1-0 up in the World Cup final after just two minutes only for hosts West Germany to hit back and win 2-1.

1978

Another World Cup final despite no Cruyff because of a kidnapping attempt but hosts Argentina, who delayed kick-off and complained about a plaster cast on Rene van de Kerkhof’s wrist, won 3-1.

1984

Missed out on the Euros on goals scored when Spain netted 12 against Malta in their final qualifier.

1986

Lost in the World Cup play-offs to Belgium despite being 2-1 up on aggregate with six minutes remaining. Georges Grun’s header saw Belgium through on away goals.

1990

Ended their group at Italia 90 with an identical record to the Republic of Ireland. Lots were drawn, the Irish got Romania and won, the Dutch got West Germany and were knocked out. 1996

Edgar Davids was sent home early from Euro 96 after accusing Ronald de Boer and Danny Blind of trying to get coach Guus Hiddink to drop him.

2010

Another World Cup final, another loss. Spain won 1-0 in extra time, but the game was so bad-tempered it reviled Dutch purists. Nigel de Jong’s studding of Xabi Alonso was a case in point. 2012

Holland lost every group game at the finals with claims that Robin van Persie and Klaas-jan Huntelaar wouldn’t play together, Van Persie and Ibrahim Afellay were too big-headed and Gregory van der Wiel was more interested in his fashion label.

2018

After missing Euro 2016 the Dutch needed to beat Sweden by seven clear goals to reach Russia 2018. They managed just two and missed the play-offs (left). 2021

Two goals conceded in the last 10 minutes in Montenegro means Dutch hopes of qualifying for World Cup are back in the balance.