The Dutch are arguably the greatest ever team to have not been crowned as the world champions. The Dutch National side have reached the semi finals of four consecutive Olympics: 1908, 1912, 1920 and 1924. In the mid 1970’s they reached two world cup finals, however they unfortunately lost on both occasions, in 1974 against West Germany and in 1978 against Argentina.
Holland’s ultimate triumph came during the 1988 European championships as they comfortably beat the Soviet Union 2-0 in the final.
The Dutch FA was formed in 1889, in turn making it the third oldest in Europe. The national league was formed comparatively late in 1957, when professionalism was introduced.
It was during the time of the great 1974 side when every player in the side could function in every position of the field. This style of play became famously known as ‘Total Football.’
The 1988 European football championships gave the Dutch the trophy they deserved. In Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten, a new set of Dutch superstars emerged. En route to the final they beat the West Germany 2-1 in the semi finals. The Dutch went on to reach the semi finals on many consecutive European Championships, the semis in Euro 92, Euro 96, Euro 2000 and Euro 2004.
Some of the top domestic Dutch clubs include, PSV Eindhoven, Ajax and Feyenoord. The Dutch clubs have also enjoyed their fair share of success over the years in nurturing young football stars. Their top domestic clubs have always done fairly well in European competitions. Ajax have produced many great players over the years, including, Dennis Bergkamp, Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.