Founded: 1889 UEFA Affiliated: 1954 EURO Appearances: 8 EURO Titles: 1 (1988) Twenty years after Holland won their sole European title, the Dutch fans will be hoping that Marco van Basten can inspire the national team to victory as a coach, as he did as a player in 1988. The 1988 EURO title might be Holland's only major trophy, but the Dutch national team has always been a team of caliber, including the trident of Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard. The Dutch have a mind-boggling style of play that electrifies spectators and they have always been a thorn in the side of some of the strongest teams in the world. Now, they have a relatively young side that is complemented with some able veterans like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Edwin van der Sar. History Holland's true beginnings in football were in the 1970s when coach Rinus Michels introduced the concept of 'Total Football' which resulted in the creation of a creative generation of players led by Johan Cruyff, Willem van Hanegem, Jan van Beveren, Johan Neeskens, Johnny Rep, Arie Haan, Ruud Krol and Rob Rensenbrink. The group of players reached two back-to-back World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, only to lose the trophy to respective hosts West Germany and Argentina. Michels decided to quit coaching but returned to the national team in time for the 1988 finals. The semi-final victory over hosts West Germany followed by a comfortable 2-0 win over the Soviet Union put the Dutch among the highest rated teams in Europe.
Marco van Basten Throughout the 1990s the Dutch teams continued to fare decently but lacked the edge that would send them through to the finals of any major tournament. They finished as semi-finalists in the past two EURO editions and the 1998 World Cup finals. Coach: Marco van Basten (Dutch) Van Basten was one of the best ever forwards to grace the football pitch. His attacking mind and gutsy approach as a player stayed with him as a coach. The former Ajax and AC Milan talisman began his short coaching career in 2003. His only job before taking over the Dutch national team in 2004 was a one-season spell with Ajax's B team. However, following Holland's EURO 2004 the Royal Dutch Football Federation opted to inject new blood and Cruyff endorsed the former three-time European Footballer of the Year. Van Basten's revolutionary reign began with him dropping most of the big names before the 2006 World Cup campaign, and after a period of criticism, his decision was vindicated following a successful campaign that saw the 'Oranjes' reach the round of 16 at the Germany finals. Tactics The Dutch have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Edwin van der Sar and a very tight defense that literally secured their qualification to the EURO 2008 finals. Holland have conceded only 5 goals in their qualifying campaign, securing the best record in this category along with France and the Czech Republic, thanks to the heroics of experienced defenders Wilfred Bouma and John Hetinga. Holland's fullbacks Mario Melchiot and Gio van Bronckhorst play a pivotal role in Van Basten's line-up as they use their speed to shift pressure and provide the front line with deft crosses. Van Basten's 4-3-3 formation depends on three important and creative players in midfield, which are Sneijder, Landzaat and Van der Vaart. Upfront there is no doubt that Real Madrid ace Ruud van Nistelrooy will be the go-to man. He will be supported on the wings by some capable players like Van Persie, Robben, and Liverpool duo Babel and Kuyt. Star Player - Ruud van Nistelrooy
