Afrosport takes a look some interesting facts and details about the Netherlands as they prepare for their Euro 2024 campaign in Group D.
Nickname
Oranje (Orange)
Brief history
The Netherlands are considered one of the best football teams in the world and like other European giants have a rich history of producing top talent.
Some of the names produced over the years include Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Frank de Boer, Edwin van der Sar, Patrick Kluivert, Mark van Bonmel, Edgar Davids, Ruud Gullit, Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Virgil van Dijk among others.
Number of Euros appearances
The Netherlands have been to the Euros 10 times previously and have hosted the tournament just once as joint hosts with neighbours Belgium in 2000.
Best Euros achievement
The best Euros moment for the Dutch came in 1988 when they defeated the Soviet Union 2-0 in Munich.
It remains their only international title and is the only time they have reached the Euros final, with four semi-final appearances being their next best performance.
Best Player
Memphis Depay
The 30-year-old of Ghanaian heritage has been a class act for the Oranje since making his debut in 2013.
He currently has 45 international goals and is just six goals shy of surpassing Van Persie to become the leading Netherlands’ all-time top scorer.
Depay will be the focal point in attack at the Euros and could edge closer to surpassing Van Persie’s tally during the tournament.
