NETHERLANDS : WORLD CUP HISTORY

The Dutch are one of the most unlucky World Cup countries of all time, twice finishing second with two of the most talented and entertaining sides to play in the tournament. Those teams boasted a world-class player at virtually every position, including Johan Cruyff, Rudi Krol, Robbie Resenbrink and Johnny Rep, among others.

In 1974, they were undefeated at 5-0-1 before losing to host nation Germany in the final, 2-1. Without the great Cruyff in 1978, the Dutch reached the final in Argentina, only to fall to the home team again, this time in extra time, 3-1.

In what was considered one of the best World Cup encounters ever, the Dutch rallied from a 2-0 deficit against Brazil in the second half of their 1994 quarterfinal, but the South Americans scored to register a 3-2 victory.

In 1998, the Dutch enjoyed their third best Cup showing. They defeated Argentina on a brilliant and dramatic late goal by Dennis Bergkamp, 2-1, but were eliminated by Brazil in the semifinals via a penalty kick shootout.