Netherlands national football team
Mens national football team.
The Netherlands national football team, commonly known as the Oranje (Orange) or the Flying Dutchmen, represents the Netherlands in international football competitions. It is governed by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), the governing body for football in the Netherlands. The team is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competitions. The team's color, orange, is derived from the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. They are colloquially referred to as Holland, though this is not entirely accurate as Holland is only a region within the Netherlands.
Since their first official match in 1905, the Dutch have been renowned for their attractive, attacking style of play, known as "Total Football." At the World Cup, the Netherlands has reached the final three times (1974, 1978, 2010) but has yet to win the trophy, earning them the title of the best team never to win the World Cup. They have qualified for 11 World Cup tournaments, finishing third in 2014. In the European Championship, the Netherlands achieved their greatest success by winning the tournament in 1988, led by Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit.
The team has produced some of the most influential players and managers in football history. Johan Cruyff, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was instrumental in developing the Total Football philosophy. Other legendary players include Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and more recently, Arjen Robben and Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch style of play, characterized by fluid positioning and technical skill, has influenced football worldwide.
Despite periods of success, the Netherlands has also experienced notable disappointments, including failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2016. However, they have shown resurgence in recent years, reaching the final of the 2019 UEFA Nations League and qualifying for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. The team's passionate fan base, known for their vibrant orange attire, creates a unique atmosphere at international tournaments.