football. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) was founded in 1889 and joined FIFA early in its history.

 The Netherlands national football team, nicknamed "The Windmills," represents the Netherlands in football. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) was founded in 1889 and joined FIFA early in its history.

Since its first participation in the World Cup in 1934, the Netherlands has participated in 11 editions of the tournament, including the 2022 edition. It has reached the final three times without winning the title, losing to West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978, and Spain in 2010.

The most prominent stars of the Dutch national team throughout its history

The Dutch national team has had a number of stars throughout its history who have left a significant mark on world football. Among the most prominent stars are:

1. Johan Cruyff:

One of the greatest players in the history of football.

He invented the "Total Football" style that was popularized in the Netherlands.

He won the Ballon d'Or three times (1971, 1973, 1974).

2. Marco van Basten:

A top-class goalscorer and one of the best in history.

He won the Ballon d'Or three times (1988, 1989, 1992).

He led the Netherlands to the 1988 European Championship title.

3. Gullit:

Captain of the Dutch national team at Euro 1988.

He was distinguished by his strength and skill.

He won the Ballon d'Or in 1987.

4. Dennis Bergkamp:

One of the legends of Arsenal and Dutch football.

Known for his technical skills and precise goals.

5. Wesley Sneijder:

He was part of the 2010 World Cup squad.

He led the Netherlands to the final against Spain.

He excelled with Inter Milan in the historic treble (2010).

6. Arjen Robben:

A fast winger with excellent dribbling skills.

He was a crucial finalist in the Netherlands' qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

7. Edwin van der Sar:

One of the best goalkeepers in the history of the Netherlands.

He excelled with Ajax and Manchester United.

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Netherlands National Team Achievements

World Cup:

Runner-up: 3 times (1974, 1978, 2010).

European Championship:

Winner: 1988 (West Germany) after defeating the Soviet Union in the final 2-0.

Other Achievements:

Qualified for the World Cup finals 11 times.

Reaching the finals of Euro 1992, 2000, and 2004.

Delivering a stunning Total Football style.

The "Total Football" style of play

Initiated by coach Rinus Giles.

Relies on patents and airplanes.

Enables all players to play multiple roles on the pitch.

The Netherlands national team, a team missing from the world of football, despite its failure to win a World Cup, has left a lasting mark on the history of the game.

In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Netherlands was drawn in Group A alongside Senegal, Ecuador, and Qatar. It topped the group and advanced to the knockout stage, reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated.

The Netherlands is considered one of the most prominent teams never to have won the World Cup, despite reaching the final three times, earning it the nickname "the uncrowned champion." Despite this, the national team continues to play exceptional football, based on the "total football" philosophy for which it has been famous since the 1970s.