Iran Press/ Europe: Ranked 10 in the FIFA ranking, the Netherlands national football team is one of the top soccer teams in the world. The Dutch have recorded outstanding results over the years and play one of the most attractive football. Here is a review of the team's history and achievements.
According to Sports Brief, Netherlands' football style is generally based on keeping possession of the ball. Some of Dutch's legendary players include Johan Cruijff, Ruud Gullit, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder.
Nicknamed "The Flying Dutchmen," the Netherlands was the best team in the FIFA ranking back in 2011.
The all-time top scorer of the Netherlands is Robin Van Persie with 50 goals and Wesley Sneijder has the most appearances with 134 games.
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Past glories
Netherlands national football team's World Cup campaign has not been successful despite reaching three different finals (1974, 1978, 2010).
1974
Led by the legendary Johan Cruyff, Holland's first golden generation swept aside Brazil and Argentina to reach their first World Cup final. However, their dreams were shuttered following a 2-1 defeat to West Germany.
1978
The Dutch team reached a second consecutive final in 1978 but lost 3-1 to Argentina. The South Americans scored two goals in extra time to lift their first World Cup title.
2010
It took the Flying Dutchmen 32 years to reach yet another final, thanks to the generation of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder. But, unfortunately, they lost 1-0 to Spain after conceding an extra-time goal from Andres Iniesta. Holland reached the World Cup semifinals in 1998 and 2014 but failed to qualify for the 2018 edition.
Holland's most outstanding achievement is winning the 1988 European Championship after beating the Soviet Union in the final. Goals from Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten helped the Flying Dutchmen to a 2-0 win to lift the coveted title.
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Roaster
The Dutch boast of some of the top talents in world football, including Virgil van Dijk, Frankie De Jong, Memphis Depay, and Georgino Wijnaldum.
Below is a list of Netherlands national football team players in 2022, and their respective positions and clubs.
Goalkeepers
Tim Krul (Norwich), Mark Flekken (SC Freiburg), Joel Drommel (PSV Eindhoven)
Defenders
Daley Blind (Ajax), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Hans Hateboer (Atalanta), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus), Jordan Teze (PSV Eindhoven), Owen Wijndal (AZ Alkmaar), Tyrell Malacia (Feyenoord), Jurriën Timber (Ajax)
Midfielders
Georginio Wijnaldum (Paris Saint-Germain), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Jordy Clasie (Jordy Clasie), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Frenkie deJong (Barcelona), Guus Til ( Feyenoord), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta)
Forwards
Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Wout Weghorst (Burnley), Steven Bergwijn (Tottenham Hotspur), Arnaut Danjuma (Villarreal), Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven), Noa Lang (Club Brugge), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund),
Captain and head coach
Van Dijk is currently the skipper of the Dutch team. He was appointed in March 2018 by the then manager, Ronaldo Koeman, ahead of their friendly against England in Amsterdam.
Netherlands national football team coach Veteran tactician Louis van Gaal returned as the head coach of the Holland squad for the third time to replace Frank de Boer in August 2021.
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Who is the best football player in the Netherlands?
Johan Cruyff is considered the country's best player of all time. He was the mastermind of the 1970s dream team that played beautiful football. Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or three times in 1971, 1973 and 1974. Johan Cruyff controls the ball during their 1974 World Cup final against West Germany. He is considered the best ever Dutch footballer in history.
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World Cup draw
The Netherlands has been drawn to face hosts Qatar, alongside Senegal and Ecuador in FIFA 2022 World Cup Group A in an outcome that will see teams from four continents face off for places in the knockout stages.
Senegal is bound to be a dangerous opponent following their African Cup of Nations win earlier this year, whilst Qatar is also current champions of their respective federation having won the AFC Cup back in 2019.
Ecuador makes up the other place in the group, having qualified safely in fourth place from their CONMEBOL group phase.
In the first game, the Netherlands will face Senegal on Monday, Nov. 21, at 5 a.m. in Al Thumama Stadium. As the second opponent, it will face Ecuador on Friday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. in Khalifa Int'l Stadium and the last group stage match will be against the hosts, Qatar, on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. in Al Bayt Stadium.
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