Netherlands vs Yugoslavia – 1988 Euro Final

Lore & Background

The Netherlands won the 1988 UEFA European Championship in West Germany. After losing the first group match against the Soviet Union 1–0, the Netherlands qualified for the semi-finals by defeating England 3–1 (with a hat-trick by Marco van Basten), and the Republic of Ireland 1–0. Van Basten scored against the hosts in the 89th minute to sink the German side. The Netherlands won the final with a victory over the USSR with a header by Ruud Gullit and a volley by Van Basten. This was the national team's first major tournament win.

Reader's Guide

The Netherlands has competed in eleven FIFA World Cups, appearing in the final three times (in 1974, 1978, and 2010), finishing as runners-up on all three occasions. They have also appeared in eleven UEFA European Championships, winning the 1988 tournament in West Germany. Additionally, the team has won bronze medals at three Olympic football tournaments, in 1908, 1912, and 1920.

Did You Know?

• The Netherlands' first international match was against Belgium on 30 April 1905, ending 4–1 after extra time.
• The team is colloquially referred to as Het Nederlands Elftal or Oranje, after the House of Orange-Nassau.
• Their fan club is known as Het Oranje Legioen (The Orange Legion).
• The Netherlands has long-standing football rivalries with neighbours Belgium and Germany as well as Argentina.