WORLD CUP: Did you know

Holland have taken part in the WC qualifiers 14 times and qualified to the finals on seven occasions. In 1974 and 1978 the Dutch reached the FIFA World Cup final.

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In the Germany 1974 final, they took an early lead but succumbed 2-1 to the hosts Germany. In 1978, the host nation again stole glory from them. Argentina won 3-1.

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Frequently among the favourites for the World Cup, Holland have repeatedly failed to live up to their promise. They came closest in 1998, but after a thrilling semi-final, lost the penalty shoot-out against Brazil.