3 of the Most Iconic Matches Between Netherlands and Germany

The rivalry between the Netherlands and Germany in football is one of the fiercest and most storied in international football. It’s not just a matter of two neighboring countries going head-to-head; it’s about history, pride, and a deep-seated competitive spirit that has often spilled over into iconic moments on the pitch.

Over the years, they have given us some unforgettable matches that have defined eras and players. With another eagerly anticipated Germany vs Netherlands showdown on the horizon, we decided to take a closer look at three of the most iconic matches between the Netherlands and Germany—matches that not only delivered high drama but also left a lasting impact on their rivalry. 

1) 1974 World Cup Final: Germany 2-1 Netherlands  

The 1974 World Cup final between West Germany and the Netherlands is arguably the most iconic match in the history of this rivalry. This wasn’t just a football match; it was a clash of ideologies, personalities, and playing styles. On one side, you had the Netherlands and their revolutionary "Total Football" led by the legendary Johan Cruyff. On the other, West Germany was a disciplined and efficient team led by Franz Beckenbauer, who embodied German football’s pragmatism. 

The build-up to the final was immense. The Netherlands had breezed through the tournament, dazzling the world with their free-flowing, position-less football. They had become the darlings of the tournament. Germany, as the host nation, were equally formidable, though their path to the final had been more workmanlike. 

The match got off to a sensational start. Within the first minute, Cruyff made a surging run into the German penalty area and won a penalty without a single German player even touching the ball. Johan Neeskens stepped up and converted, giving the Dutch a 1-0 lead, and suddenly, the dream of a first World Cup title for the Netherlands seemed within reach. But as they say in football, scoring early doesn’t always guarantee a win. The Germans, displaying their characteristic resilience, regrouped. They equalized through a Paul Breitner penalty before Gerd Müller scored what would be the winning goal just before half-time. 

Despite their early promise, the Dutch were unable to break down the resolute German defense in the second half. West Germany lifted the trophy in front of their home fans, and the Netherlands, despite revolutionizing the way football was played, left the tournament empty-handed. This match didn’t just cement the rivalry between the two nations; it also left a psychological scar on Dutch football that would last for decades. Even today, many in the Netherlands talk about how they were the better team but lacked the killer instinct that the Germans seemed to possess. 

2) Euro 1988 Semi-Final: Netherlands 2-1 Germany 

Fast forward 14 years, and the Netherlands were out for revenge. The 1988 European Championship semi-final, held in Hamburg, was a perfect opportunity for the Dutch to finally put the ghosts of 1974 to rest, and boy, did they seize it. West Germany, playing at home once again, were the favorites going into the match. They had been solid throughout the tournament, with players like Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann leading the charge. But this Dutch side, led by their talismanic striker Marco van Basten and the midfield maestro Ruud Gullit, was hungry for victory. For the Dutch, it wasn’t just about winning a football match; it was about settling a 14-year-old score. 

The tension was palpable, and the game didn’t disappoint. West Germany took the lead through a Matthäus penalty, and once again, it seemed like the Germans had the upper hand. But this time, the Dutch were determined not to let history repeat itself. They equalized with a penalty of their own, coolly converted by Ronald Koeman. Then came the moment that every Dutch fan will remember forever.  

In the 88th minute, with the game hanging in the balance, van Basten latched onto a through-ball and scored a sublime goal, sending the Dutch fans into delirium. It was not just a goal—it was a moment of redemption, a moment that symbolized the Netherlands finally overcoming their German rivals on the big stage. The win felt even sweeter for the Dutch because it was on German soil, and after years of frustration, they had finally defeated the team that had haunted them for so long. The Netherlands would go on to win the Euro 1988 title, their first major international trophy, and the victory over Germany in the semi-final remains one of the greatest moments in Dutch football history. 

3) 1990 World Cup Round of 16: Germany 2-1 Netherlands 

Just two years after the emotional Euro 1988 clash, the Netherlands and West Germany faced off again, this time in the 1990 World Cup in Italy. The stakes were high as always, and the match turned into one of the most infamous encounters between the two sides, not just for the football but for the controversy and bad blood that dominated the game. This was the first World Cup match between the two since the 1974 final, and the tension between the teams was electric. West Germany had come into the tournament looking strong, while the Netherlands, reigning European champions, were seen as serious contenders. But from the outset, the game was more about fights and fouls than beautiful football. 

The match is best remembered for the infamous spitting incident between Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Völler. After a challenge, Rijkaard spat in Völler’s hair, which escalated into a heated exchange between the two. Both players were sent off, leaving the game in chaos. The incident overshadowed the actual football for many fans and became a symbol of the bitter rivalry between the two nations. Despite the drama, Germany took the lead through a goal from Jürgen Klinsmann. Andreas Brehme doubled Die Mannschaft’s lead in the 85th minute, but a Ronald Koeman penalty in the 89th minute ensured that the game was competitive till the final whistle. The match ended 2-1, and West Germany moved on to the quarterfinals, while the Netherlands were left to rue their missed opportunity. 

This match wasn’t just iconic because of the on-pitch drama; it also highlighted the deep-rooted tensions between the two nations, which had been building for years. For Germany, the win was another triumph over their rivals, while for the Dutch, it was yet another bitter defeat at the hands of their neighbors. West Germany would go on to win the 1990 World Cup, adding salt to the wound for the Netherlands. 

Also Read: Germany vs Netherlands – UEFA Nations League – Preview, Team News and Updates