Resurgence on the horizon: Analysing the Netherlands' Euro Cup journey
As the Netherlands prepare to face Turkey in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal, the excitement among Dutch fans is palpable. The Dutch team has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the last few Euro Cup tournaments. From the highs of spectacular victories to the lows of unexpected exits, the Netherlands' journey has been anything but dull. Let’s take a closer look at their performances in the last four Euro Cups and explore how they have evolved over the years.
The Euro 2020 campaign began with a bang for the Netherlands. They won all three group-stage matches with an impressive display of attacking football. The opening match against Ukraine was a thriller, ending 3-2 with goals from GeorginioWijnaldum, WoutWeghorst, and Denzel Dumfries.
GeorginioWijnaldum opens the scoring against Ukraine in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Euro 2020 // Picture Courtesy --Shutterstock
The momentum continued with a 2-0 victory over Austria, featuring a penalty from Memphis Depay and another goal from Dumfries. The group stage concluded with a 3-0 triumph over North Macedonia, where Depay and Wijnaldum once again shone brightly.
The round of 16, however, brought a surprising halt to their campaign. Facing the Czech Republic, the Dutch team struggled to break down their opponents and eventually succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. This abrupt exit was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football and the importance of seizing every opportunity.
Euro 2012 was a tournament that Dutch fans would rather forget. The Netherlands faced a nightmarish group stage, losing all three matches. Their campaign started with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark, followed by a 2-1 loss to Germany, where Robin van Persie’s goal was merely a consolation. The final blow came from Portugal, who defeated the Netherlands 2-1 despite Rafael van der Vaart’s early strike. This group-stage exit highlighted the need for a tactical overhaul and a fresh approach.
In contrast to 2012, the 2008 Euro Cup was a tournament where the Netherlands showcased their potential. They stormed through the group stage, winning all three matches with flair and confidence.
The campaign kicked off with a stunning 3-0 victory over Italy, with goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The momentum carried into a 4-1 win against France, featuring goals from Dirk Kuyt, Van Persie, Arjen Robben, and Sneijder. They rounded off the group stage with a 2-0 win over Romania, courtesy of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Van Persie.
Ruud van Nistelrooy leads the attack against Italy in a spectacular 3-0 victory at Euro 2008 // Picture Courtesy -- Evening Standard
The quarterfinal against Russia was a dramatic affair that ended in heartbreak. Despite a late equaliser from Van Nistelrooy, the Netherlands were outplayed in extra time and lost 3-1. This exit was a tough pill to swallow, but it also showcased the team’s fighting spirit and tactical prowess.
Euro 2004 was a tournament of mixed fortunes for the Netherlands. They drew 1-1 with Germany in their opening match, thanks to a late equaliser from Van Nistelrooy. This was followed by a thrilling 3-2 loss to the Czech Republic, where Van Nistelrooy and Wilfred Bouma found the net. The group stage ended on a high note with a 3-0 win over Latvia, with Van Nistelrooy scoring twice and Roy Makaay adding another.
The quarterfinal against Sweden was a tense encounter that ended goalless after extra time. The Netherlands held their nerve in the penalty shootout, winning 5-4 to advance to the semi-finals. However, their journey ended with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, despite an own goal from Andrade giving them hope.
