!990's Netherlands team

[Drico]

Arrogance and stubbornness have been the downfall of many a great Dutch team.

I’d say the 74 team was the best. Losing the WC final against Germany because the players disregarded the coach’s instructions and instead decided to try and humiliate their opponents wherever possible instead of concentrating on winning the actual game.

Yes, it was arrogance and stubbornness. Most of all it was laughable stupidity to delude themselves to the point where they thought they could humiliate the reigning European champions on their own turf - if that is indeed what happened (the myth-making, referenced above, is something to consider when looking at that match). That German side was one of the greatest of all time - and is still considered the most mighty West Germany in history.

If you watch the game back, the Dutch were savaged in that final once the hosts got level. The Germans had a perfectly good goal disallowed (Müller) which would have made it 3-1. Maier made some good saves, as the Dutch frantically searched for parity, but the Oranje were outplayed by a focused, determined, disciplined side. Until the Netherlands applies those "German characteristics" when it next has a talented group with potential, they will win nothing.

 

[Stevie Nicks Bootleg]

Yes, it was arrogance and stubbornness. Most of all it was laughable stupidity to delude themselves to the point where they thought they could humiliate the reigning European champions on their own turf - if that is indeed what happened (the myth-making, referenced above, is something to consider when looking at that match). That German side was one of the greatest of all time - and is still considered the most mighty West Germany in history.

I'd think the WG 1972 Euro Championship winning team was rated higher, they were at the time and certainly played the more attractive football. I think home advantage is always a biggy, especially when the team at home is one of the strongest three, as WG were. Had the 74 tourney been held in Holland or even Poland, then one of those two may well have won it (Holzenbein's theatrics tend to be rewarded more at home, than away). But those two countries have never had that luxury and added opportunity to win the big prize (Paul Brietner thought Poland were the best team in the competition actually, as did many of the pundits in World Soccer magazine at the time).