Let us dig into Netherlands national team football history, and share some of their biggest losses. If this is going to bring back the disheartening memories, my apology.
Netherlands’ journey in international football has been full of unforgettable moments, and since its inception in 1905, the Netherlands national football team, known as Het Nederlands Elftal or Oranje, has represented the country with excellence.
However, even the most successful teams endure setbacks, and in this post, I will share with you the five biggest losses suffered by the Netherlands, and your chance to learn about the teams, and players that put bitter leave on Netherlands supporters.
Let’s go.
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1. England vs Netherlands ( 12 – 2 ) 21 December 1907
| Score | 12-2 to England |
| Referee | John Farrell |
| Competition | Amateur v A |
| Venue | Feethams Ground, Darlington |
| Attendance | 10,000 |
Right from the first minute, it was clear that England had come to dominate the match as Vivian Woodward scored in the first Minute, and William J Stapley scored another goal in the 4th minute and set the tone for what would be an unforgettable match.
Though Cas Ruffelse manages to score twice, to give the Oranje faithful hope. But let’s be honest, England’s firepower was simply too much for the Dutch to handle.
Vivian Woodward, Stapley, and Arthur A Bell release a barrage of goals, leaving the Netherlands’ defense in tatters.
Stapley’s four-goal performance, including a jaw-dropping hat-trick within four minutes, proved his lethal finishing ability.
Woodward, with his class, added a hat trick of his own, reminding everyone why he was considered one of the most prolific goal scorers of his time. And let’s not forget Bell, who chipped in to torment the Dutch defenders.
However, the final scoreline was a resounding 12-2 victory for England. Just imagine the heavy shock and disappointment among the Dutch fans. But hey, let’s give credit where it’s due.
The Netherlands didn’t give up. They fought back with Ruffles finding the net and refusing to let England have it all their way.
It was a humbling experience, no doubt, but one that would fuel the Dutch with a burning desire to learn, improve, and ultimately become a force to be reckoned with in the footballing world.
2. England vs Netherlands ( 9 – 1 ) 11 December 1909
| Score | 9-1 to England |
| Referee | Charles Barette |
| Competition | Amateur v A |
| Venue | Stamford Bridge |
| Attendance | 5,274 |
As the referee, Charles Barette, blew the whistle to commence the match, the Netherlands team, under the guidance of manager Edgar Chadwick showed their skills against the renowned English side. However, fate had other plans.
Then England begins their dominance, with the Dutch defense scrambling to cope with the lion’s attacks. Harold S Stapley led the charge, netting an astonishing five goals., and the prolific Vivian Woodward never hesitated to prove his genius on the ball, adding four goals to England’s tally.
The Netherlands kept chasing shadows as the Lions kept tormenting them. Alfred S Owens and Ernest W Williams joined the goal-scoring spree, compounding the Netherlands’ misery.
The only goal for the Dutch came in the form of Tonny Dé Kessler’s goal. However, despite the overwhelming scoreline, the Netherlands continued to battle, refusing to be completely overwhelmed.
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3. England vs Netherlands ( 8 – 2 ) 27 November 1946
| Score | 8-2 to England |
| Referee | James M Martin |
| Competition | International Friendly |
| Venue | Leeds Road, Huddersfield |
| Attendance | 32,435 |
I know you will be wondering why it is always England, truly, the Lions have given the Dutch their beating of life. And here’s another game where England defeated the Netherlands 8 – 2.
The match began with a sense of two great teams looking for a chance to win a match even if it’s just by a lone goal because both sides display dominance not until 23 minutes.
However, it was Tommy Lawton who broke the deadlock with a thunderous right-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 23rd minute. The crowd gasped in awe as the ball found the back of the net.
The English dominance continued with a flurry of goals. Lawton, with a balanced aerial prowess, soared above the Dutch defense to head in a Tom Finney lob just three minutes later.
Raich Carter, seizing an opportunity in the 31st minute, struck a left-footed drive into the far top corner, capitalizing on a clearance from a Finney cross.
The Dutch defense couldn’t find a tactic to end English dominance, as Wilf Mannion added another goal, a slow-rising 14-yarder that nestled into the far right corner.
The halftime scoreline was 5-0 in favor of England, and despite the battle, the Netherlands refused to surrender. Ko Bergman, with a well-placed header from Gustav Drager’s delivery, managed to find hope in the 37th minute. It was such a relief for the Dutch supporters.
However, England continued to dominate in every position on the pitch, you would think the Dutch are without a coach. Raich Carter, with a powerful header off a Bobby Langton volley in the 74th minute, and Tommy Lawton, who completed his hat-trick with a composed left-footed tap-in extended England’s lead.
The last goal came in the 77th minute when Lawton drove a free-kick that left the Dutch defense and goalkeeper helpless. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for the Netherlands.
4. Netherlands vs England ( 1 – 8 ) 01 April 1907
| Score | 8-1 to England |
| Referee | Henri Boon |
| Competition | A v Amateur |
| Venue | Den Haag |
| Attendance | 8,000 |
I knew that England would mean another business like always, and it was not a surprise. In the 14th minute, Hans Blume slotted in a goal with a clinical finish.
Though Ernest Mansfield struck back in the 4th minute, plus Arthur A Bell’s goal in the 5th minute.
This match confirmed that the Dutch in no way can match England as Vivian Woodward, Harold Hardman, Robert Murray Hawkes, and Bell piled on the agony.
However, the Dutch efforts to mount a comeback were ruined by the finishing accuracy of their English counterparts. In the end, it is obvious to the supporters that when it comes to any clash, the Lions will always be superior.
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5. West Germany vs Netherlands ( 7 – 0 ) 21 October 1959
| Score | 7-0 to West Germany |
| Referee | Karol Galba |
| Competition | International Friendly |
| Venue | Mungersdorferstadion, Cologne |
| Attendance | 45,000 |
The Germany-Netherlands football game is one of the most renowned international football rivalries. Over the years, the two nations have clashed on the football pitch, with Germany claiming 16 victories and 17 draws, and the Netherlands securing 12 victories in their 45 encounters.
This international friendly which was played at Mungersdorferstadion in Cologne, would forever be remembered by Dutch football as one of their most crushing defeats.
The Dutch side, known for their flair and technical brilliance is up against his rival, a well-drilled German team that left no room for error.
During the game, you can see that the German player’s performance is fueled by a sense of rivalry. In the 11th minute, Albert Brullsput found the back of the net, but the Germans didn’t stop there.
Plus goals from Alfred Schmidt in the 30th minute, Uwe Seeler in the 54th and 66th minutes, Alfred Schmidt again in the 77th minute, and a late surge from Uwe Seeler in the 88th minute.
Gerhard Siedl then scored the final goal in the 89th minute, completing the emphatic 7-0 victory for West Germany.
Conclusion
There you have it, the biggest loss in Netherland football history was recorded in a game between Netherlands vs England and West Germany vs the Netherlands.
However, the Dutch recorded their worst-ever defeat on 21 December 1907 in a game against England which ended 12 – 2 in favor of England.
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.