On Friday, Argentina and the Netherlands will meet for the sixth time at a World Cup. At the previous meetings there was often a lot to experience: a Cruijff demonstration, a hard-fought World Cup final, Dennis Bergkamp’s wonderful goal and Louis van Gaal’s only “defeat” at a World Cup. Enjoy the images here.
World Cup 1974: demonstration of total football by Cruijff and co
The Netherlands is more than a class too strong for Argentina in the second group stage of the World Cup in West Germany. Johan Cruijff rules and conducts a demonstration of Orange. Cruijff puts the icing on the cake with a wonderful goal: 4-0.
World Cup 1978: Blood on the post, ball from Rensenbrink on the post
Four years after the lost final in West Germany, the Netherlands is again in a World Cup final against the host country. In the Netherlands, a smear campaign is raging about the regime in Argentina, in the final there is also a battle on the field.
At 1-1 in the final minute, Rensenbrink’s ball hits the post, but Kempes has a portion of luck in extra time. The host country is crowned world champion: 3-1.
WC 1998: “Dennis Bergkamp, Dennis Bergkamp, Dennis Bergkamp”
One of the most captivating quarter-finals at a World Cup. After quick goals from Kluivert and Claudio Lopez, both countries keep each other in balance, even after the red cards for Numan and Ortega.
The match seems to be heading for extra time, but just before the end there is the splitting long ball from Frank de Boer and 3 wonderful touches from Dennis Bergkamp: 2-1 and exit Argentina.
World Cup 2006: dry 0-0 in superfluous group match
Argentina and the Netherlands are already certain of the 1/8th finals and that can be seen in this match. Both countries shy away from the risks, resulting in a dry 0-0.
The Netherlands then dies in the 1/8th finals against Portugal after a kick, Argentina strands in the quarterfinals against Germany after penalties.
2014 World Cup: Louis van Gaal’s only “defeat” at the World Cup
The Netherlands can restrain Lionel Messi, but cannot score themselves. Louis van Gaal uses up all his substitutions and can therefore not bring in reserve goalkeeper Tim Krul as with the penalty kicks against Costa Rica.
Jasper Cillessen cannot stop a single Argentinian penalty, Vlaar and Sneijder are missing in the Netherlands. The elimination on penalties is the only “defeat” for Van Gaal at a World Cup to date.
