Definition of Netherlands

Netherlands

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Noun
1. a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea; achieved independence from Spain in 1579; half the country lies below sea level
(synonym) The Netherlands, Kingdom of The Netherlands, Holland
(hypernym) European country, European nation
(member-holonym) Benelux
(part-holonym) Europe
(member-meronym) Netherlander, Dutchman, Hollander
(part-meronym) Amsterdam, Dutch capital, capital of The Netherlands

netherlands

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netherlands
n : a constitutional monarchy in western europe on the north sea; achieved independence from spain in 1579; half the country lies below sea level [syn: netherlands, the netherlands , kingdom of the netherlands, holland]

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  similar words(3) 

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 netherlands guiana 
 kingdom of the netherlands 
 the netherlands 

Netherlands
An Ísiltír f.

Holland
An Ollainn
the Netherlands: An Ísiltír

Netherlands

Flag of Netherlands

Background
The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Map of Netherlands

More about Netherlands:

Geography

People

Government

Economy

Communications

Transportation

Military

Transnational Issues

Netherlands
NL (Internet),
NL (ISO 3166),
NLD (ISO 3166),
NL (FIPS 10-4)

Netherlands Antilles
AN (Internet),
AN (ISO 3166),
ANT (ISO 3166),
NT (FIPS 10-4)

Netherlands (Holland)
31

Netherlands
Country Code -31

Netherlands
euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Netherlands
NL
**

Netherlands
NL

Netherlands national football team

Netherlands

Nickname	Oranje
Association	Royal Netherlands Football Association (Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond)
Coach	Marco van Basten, 2004-
Most caps	Frank de Boer (112)
Top scorer	Patrick Kluivert (40)
Home colours Away colours
First international  Belgium 1 - 4 Netherlands (Antwerp, Belgium; 30 April 1905)
Largest win Netherlands 9 - 0 Norway (Rotterdam, Netherlands; 1 November 1972)
Worst defeat Netherlands 2 - 12 England Amateur (The Hague, Netherlands; 1 April 1907)
World Cup
Appearances	8 (First in 1934)
Best result	Runners-up, 1974 and 1978
European Championship
Appearances	7 (First in 1976)
Best result	Winners, 1988

The Netherlands national football team is the national football team of the Netherlands and is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association.

Netherlands is one of the world's strongest national teams, having won the European Championship in 1988, and having reached two consecutive World Cup finals, but losing both (1974 and 1978). At the peak of its success in the 1970s, the team was nicknamed "Clockwork Orange" for its precise passing.

The Netherlands made their first World Cup appearance in 1934, and after coming back in 1938, entered the world of football wilderness. They came out of it in the 1970s with the invention of Total Football. Pioneered by Ajax Amsterdam and lead by the creative genius of Johan Cruijff and Rinus Michels, the Dutch made huge strides, getting to two World Cup finals in the decade. The team has been strong since, winning Euro 88, reaching the semi-finals in Euro 92, Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, and finishing fourth in the 1998 World Cup.

The Netherlands 2006 World Cup.

Contents 1 World Cup record 2 European Championship record 3 Famous past players 4 Past managers 5 2006 World Cup squad 6 External links

see 2006 FIFA World Cup...

see World Cup 2006 - Teams...

© This article uses material from Wikipedia and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License

Bergkamp, Dennis
Arsenal & Holland

Birthdate: May 18, 1969
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Holland
Height: 183 cms
Weight: 78 kgs
Position: Forward (Center)
Games & Goals with National Team: 71 caps, 37 goals (as of May 7, 2000)
Debut with Arsenal: August 20, 1995

Voted tenth in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, Bergkamp scored the best goal of France 1998 World Cup (vs. Argentina 2-1). Dennis start on Ajax Amsterdam school, the same that produce the legendary Johan Cruyff and many other world known players. At age 18, Bergkamp signed his first proffesional contract. A dangerous striker with instinct, good speed and a devastating finisher, timing to perfection his late runs into the penalty area. Make his international debut in 1990, vs. Italy. Scored 75 goals in 3 seasons with Ajax, to be the Dutch top-scorer. He was voted Dutch player of the year in 2 times. Moved to Internazionale, and then to Arsenal for $12.30 millions of dollars, with the Gunners he had finally recovered his football.

>>>>>> See Career Statistics

Cocu, Phillip
FC Barcelona & Holland

Birthdate: October 29, 1970
Birthplace: Eindhoven, Holland
Height: 182 cms
Weight: 76 kgs
Position: Midfielder (Left / Center)
Games & Goals with National Team: 35 caps, 4 goals (as of October 24, 1999)
International Debut: April 24, 1996. vs. Germany (L 0-1)

Cocu could best be described as a hard-working player. He is happy in an attacking midfield position, in the middle, on both wings or even at full back. His skill is what you would typically expect from a Dutchman, but as well as that, he is a battler who works for the good of the team. He reads the attacking game well, is good with his head, shoots well with his left foot and has good positional sense. Was linked to both Barcelona and Italy's Inter Milan, and has finally picked the Spanish-Dutch club, signing a three year contract. Scored with a volley a superb goal v. Athletic Bilbao in 1998-99 season.

>>>>>> See Career Statistics

Davids, Edgar
Juventus & Holland

Birthdate: March 13, 1973
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname
Height: 169 cms
Weight: 68 kgs
Position: Midfielder
Games & Goals with National Team: 49 caps, 1 goals (as of August 1, 1999)
Debut in Serie A: September 9, 1996 vs Sampdoria

Voted eigth in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, Davids is a midfielder endowed with great athletic qualities coupled with a good personal technique. He has his debut in the Dutch Serie A wearing the shirt of the "Amsterdam's lancers" in the season 1991/92. He comes at Juventus after one season with Milan, which was very unlucky for him : in fact, he has to interrupt it because of a serious accident. Surinam-born and Ajax-bred, the midfielder combines a South American temper with a Dutch honesty which is why he helped out with this boot from the start. On the field, he is called the Piranha: quick, without mercy, as likely to strike in the last minute as he was in the first.

>>>>>> See Career Statistics

Kluivert, Patrick
FC Barcelona & Holland

Birthdate: July 1, 1976
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 188 cms
Weight: 79 kgs
Position: Forward (Center)
Games & Goals with National Team: 31 caps, 14 goals (as of August 1, 1999)
Debut in Dutch Championship: August 28, 1994 vs. RKC (W 3-1)


A player endowed with great physical and technical qualities, Kluivert made himself noticed when he was very young: he was hardly 10 years old when he drew the attention of Ajax's talent scouts, who picked him up from the Shellingwoude team to make him wear the prestigious jersey of the "Amsterdam's lancers". His first games with Barcelona's jersey were not easy, but as tournament advanced, he found his habitual (as with Ajax) performance at Barca, where he joint almost perfectly with Rivaldo.

>>>>>> See Career Statistics

Overmars, Marc
FC Barcelona & Holland

Birthdate: March 29, 1973
Birthplace: Emst, Holland
Height: 173 cms
Weight: 71 kgs
Position: Forward and Midfielder (Left)
Games & Goals with National Team: 77 caps, 10 goals (as of August 1, 1998)
Debut in Championship: March 2, 1991 (vs. VC Vlissingen)

One of the best wingers of the world. In Arsenal he must assist his companions, score goals and adapt to the English football, also, he must create actions which finish in goal to the two Highbury idols, Bergkamp and Wright. But his coach, Arsene Wenger also asks him to score and a some other things Marc wasn't accustomed. One of the main players for the Dutch national team, his speed and his dribbles are incredible.
>>>>>> See Career Statistics

Seedorf, Clarence
Inter Milan & Holland

Birthdate: April 1, 1976
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname
Height: 177 cms
Weight: 75 kgs
Position: Midfielder
Games & Goals with National Team: 41 caps, 7 goals (as of August 1, 1999)
International Debut: September 7, 1994 vs Luxembourg

Surinam-born Dutch international who is a firm favourite of the Bernabeu crowd for his thrilling runs forward. Excellent close ball control and busy support work behind the frontmen has made him an unsung hero since his signing from Sampdoria. Seedorf is the youngest player ever to play for Ajax (16 years, 6 months and 27 days). Linked with a move to SS Lazio and Juventus.

>>>>>> See Career Statistics

Stam, Jaap
Manchester United & Holland


Birthdate: July 17, 1972
Birthplace: Kampen, Holland
Height: 191 cms
Weight: 90 kgs
Position: Defender (Central)
Games & Goals with National Team: 25 caps, 2 goals (as of August 1, 1999)
International Debut: April 24, 1996 vs. Germany (L 0-1)

After an initial period of uncertainty is now regarded as one of the best defenders in England. Excellent central marker, Stam is used to impose his authority within the area without problems. Always well placed, he concede very few spaces to the foremost rivals and goes very well to the crossroad. Implacable whenever it is necessary, result very difficult of overcoming, so much for up like for below. But, he is used lose the ball easily if he gets pressed with intensity. Found his ideal place on Manchester United defense.
>>>>>> See Career Statistics

de Boer, Frank
FC Barcelona & Holland

Birthdate: May 15, 1970
Birthplace: Hoorn, Holland
Height: 179 cms
Weight: 79 kgs
Position: Defender (Central)
Games & Goals with National Team: 68 caps, 6 goals (as of July 31,1999)
International Debut: September 26, 1990 vs. Italy (W 1-0)


Frank de Boer is a very technique defender, that has great vision of the game, intelligent and becomes at times a coach in the field. Frank controlls the ball to cut the opponent's pressure, this pressure is also cutted with long passes. Has been with Ajax since 1988-89 season, but in January 1999 he moved to FC Barcelona for $11.00 (Millions of Dollars). He did not had problems to settle at Nou Camp and became a vital member of the winning squad. Was included in France 1998 World Cup Ideal Team. With no doubt Frank is the best central defender of the world, privilege that could only be threatened by few top world-class defenders, like: Gamarra, Hierro, Adams, Desailly and others.

>>>>>> See Career Statistics

de Boer, Ronald
Glasgow Rangers & Holland

Birthdate: May 15, 1970
Birthplace: Hoorn, Holland
Height: 180 cms
Weight: 77 kgs
Position: Midfielder
Games & Goals with National Team: 52 caps, 12 goals (as of August 1, 1999)
Debut in Dutch Championship: November 22, 1987 vs. PEC Zwolle (W 6-4)

Ronald possess a great technical quality, vision of game and shooting to target, the one which united to his verticality converts him in a very valuable footballer. He is not used to mark many goals along the season, but de Boer gives a good number of assists in each championship.

>>>>>> See Career Statistics

van Nistelrooy, Ruud
Manchester United & Netherlands

Birthdate: July 1, 1976
Birthplace: Oss, Netherlands
Height: 188 cms
Weight: 80 kgs
Position: Forward
Games & Goals with National Team: 10 caps, 1 goals (as of April 23, 2000)
International Debut: November 18, 1998 vs. Germany (D 1:1)

Borned the same day as Kluivert, Ruud van Nistelrooy has all the characteristics of a goalscoring forward, he has power, strenght and velocity in his legs, an incredible powerful and accurate shot, as well as an incredible acceleration. He is Netherlands's new 'kid on the block'. The PSV striker improved the last two years so much, that he's now one of the 'orange' substitutes (behind Kluivert and Bergkamp). He was tempted by Juventus, SS Lazio, Manchester U, Valencia and AS Roma, but finally on April 20, 2000 Manchester Utd paid $28.45 Millions of Dollars for him and all his goals, days later everything was paused.
>>>>>> See Career Statistics

van der Sar, Edwin
Juventus & Holland

Birthdate: October 29, 1970
Birthplace: Voorhout, Holland
Height: 197 cms
Weight: 84 kgs
Position: Goalkeeper
Games & Goals with National Team: 39 caps, 0 goals (as of July 31, 1999)
Debut in Championship: April 23, 1991 vs. Sparta (W 2-1)

Very experienced goalkeeper and with big qualities, van der Sar demonstrates a notable security in the air balls and he makes elegance of his sensational reflections and activity when he is under the bar. Very regular, he don't become accustomed to commit failures important and rare time lose the concentration during the games. Difficult of overcoming in the one against one, when van der Sar has to hit the ball with the foot he makes it with determination and the simplest possible form, attempting to don't create too much problems to his team.
>>>>>> See Career Statistics

Bogarde, Winston
FC Barcelona & Holland

Birthdate: October 22, 1970
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 91 kg
Position: Defender
International: 20 caps, 0 goals
World Cups: 1 (1998)
Previous Clubs: Sparta Rotterdam, Ajax Amsterdam, AC Milan
Transfer Fee: -
He is not a technical player but tactically is very disciplined. Even though he is not fast, he does use his body to protect the ball and to intimidate the rivals. Misunderstood man in Barça in spite of making some really good matches. It is the type of player of whom you cannot wait for any wonder but he defends with correction and without complicating the life.

Hasselbaink, Jerrel Floyd
Chelsea & Holland
Birthdate: March 27, 1972
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Position: Forward
International: 8 caps, 2 goals
World Cups: 1 (1998)
Previous Clubs: Telstar, Alkmaar, Campomairorense, Boavista, Leeds United, Atletico Madrid
Transfer Fee: $20.83 Millions of Dollars
Jimmy scored many goals for Boavista and Leeds United, where he became Premier League topscorer of 1999. That made Atletico Madrid deside to buy striker. He costed about $18,000,000, but he just might be worth the money. Hasselbaink became a international too, but he din't do so well. Kluivert/Bergkamp/Van Nistelrooij are the first/second choice and then comes Hasselbaink, Van Hooijdonk and Makaay is competing aswell. "I didn't expect this," said Hasselbaink after knowing that he was dropped from the Euro 2000 Dutch squad. A crazy career for someone who was unemployed in few years ago in 1994! Not even a 1st division clubs in Holland and Portugal wanted him. His first three years were indeed not very spectactuar, but ever since Campomaiorense he is there at the top. His 26 goals for Atletico this season were not enough to save them from relegation from the Spanish first division.

Jonk, Wim
Sheffield Wednesday & Netherlands

Birthdate: October 12, 1966
Birthplace: Volendam, Netherlands
Height: 185 cms
Weight: 77 kgs
Position: Midfielder
International: 49 caps, 11 goals (as of September 2, 2000)
World Cups: 2 (1994, 1998)
Previous Clubs: FC Volendam, Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven
Transfer Fee: $4.10 Millions of Dollars

Makaay, Roy
Deportivo La Coruña & Holland

Birthdate: March 9, 1975
Birthplace: Wijchen, Netherlands
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Position: Forward
International: 6 caps, 0 goals
World Cups: 0
Previous Clubs: Vitesse, Tenerife
Transfer Fee: $6.60 Millions of Dollars
Makaay has experienced the extremes of triumph and despair in two seasons, the bitter pill of relegation with CD Tenerife being followed by championship success with Deportivo La Coruna. His 14 goals for Tenerife in 1998/99 meant a move to a bigger club was inevitable and he continued finding the net in a wonderful first season with Deportivo, his goals proving a major factor as the club landed their first ever Spanish title. His exploits in Spain have not gone unnoticed back in the Netherlands, earning him a place in the Dutch squad. He played previously for SBV Vitesse.

Mols, Michael
Glasgow Rangers & Netherlands

Birthdate: December 17, 1970
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 178 cms
Weight: 78 kgs
Position: Forward
International: 4 caps, 0 goals (as of September 1, 2000)
World Cups: 0
Previous Clubs: FC Utrecht, Cambuur Leeuwarden, Ajax Amsterdam
Transfer Fee: $6.49 Millions of Dollars
Not-so lucky player, who apparently reached his peek in the beginning of the 99-00 season, but suffered a very serious injury that did not allowed him to continue playing with the Ibrox Team, but he also lost his opportunity to be part of the Euro 2000 Squad. Began playing professional soccer with FC Utrecht.

Numan, Arthur
Glasgow Rangers & Netherlands
Birthdate: December 14, 1969
Birthplace: Heemskerk, Netherlands
Height: 174 cms
Weight: 79 kgs
Position: Defender
International: 39 caps, 0 goals (as of June 12, 2000)
World Cups: 1 (1998)
Previous Clubs: Haarlem, FC Twente, PSV Eindhoven
Transfer Fee: $8.22 Millions of Dollars
Numan is a protégé of Rangers FC boss Dick Advocaat having played under the avuncular coach for three different clubs. It was Advocaat who initially persuaded Numan to move from the left-wing position to left-back over 10 years ago when he was playing for Haarlem. Numan won the Dutch league and cup double with PSV Eindhoven in 1996 and appeared six times in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in which the Netherlands reached the semi-final. After the tournament he moved to Rangers FC for a £4.5 million fee. He has since more than justified the price tag despite missing half of the 1998/99 season through injury. After several frustrating months of false starts he returned to consistent first-team action midway through last season, helping Rangers win the league and cup double.

Reiziger, Michael
FC Barcelona & Holland

Birthdate: May 3, 1973
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 73 kg
Position: Defender
International: 38 caps, 1 goals
World Cups: 1 (1998)
Previous Clubs: Ajax Amsterdam, Volendam, Groningen, AC Milan
Transfer Fee: -
Yet another Dutch star playing his trade with FC Barcelona, Reiziger will operate as a right-back this summer, although it is as a centre-half that he has so impressed at the Nou Camp stadium. A pacy man-marker, Reiziger has gradually made a first-team spot at Barcelona his own since arriving in Spain after an unhappy spell with Milan AC. He made his debut for the national side in 1994 and has always looked at ease on the international stage. He was ever present at Euro 96 and played in five games in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. This tournament experience, coupled with his exemplary defensive skills and ability to act as an extra attacking force from deep have made him one of Frank Rijkaard’s most indispensable players.

Zenden, Boudewijn
FC Barcelona & Holland

Birthdate: August 15, 1976
Birthplace: Maastricht, Holland
Height: 174 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Position: Midfielder
International: 17 caps, 3 goals
World Cups: 1 (1998)
Previous Clubs: Leonidas, MVV, PSV Eindhoven
Transfer Fee: $7.96 Millions of Dollars
He has emerged in recent seasons from the shadow of Marc Overmars and Rivaldo at club and international level, catching the eye with a stunning goal in the Netherlands’ 1998 World Cup third-place play-off defeat to Croatia. An out-and-out winger, he possesses all the necessary attributes to trouble opposing full-backs, including blinding pace, dribbling ability and an eye for goal. His performances for PSV Eindhoven in the 1997/98 season won him the Dutch Player of the Year award and a move to FC Barcelona.

de Goeij, Ed
Chelsea & Holland

Birthdate: December 20, 1966
Birthplace: Gouda, Netherlands
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 97 kg
Position: Goalkeeper
International: 31 caps, 0 goals
World Cups: 2 (1994, 1998)
Previous Clubs: Sparta Rotterdam, Feyenoord
Transfer Fee: $4.00 Millions of Dollars
De Goeij’s international career stretches back to 1992. He enjoyed a highly successful few years at Feyenoord, winning the Dutch league, four Dutch cups and appearing in all three major European club competitions. De Goeij signed for Chelsea FC in 1997 linking up with his former Dutch team-mate Ruud Gullit. He has been a solid presence for Chelsea ever since, helping them lift the League Cup, the European Cup-Winners’ Cup and the European Super Cup. He occasionally makes glaring errors and can also struggle with low shots, but he is generally an outstanding shot-stopper and cross-gatherer.

van Bronckhorst, Giovanni
Glasgow Rangers & Netherlands

Birthdate: February 5, 1975
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Height: 178 cms
Weight: 71 kgs
Position: Midfielder
International: 18 caps, 1 goals (as of August 3, 2000)
World Cups: 1 (1998)
Previous Clubs: Feyenoord
Transfer Fee: $8.62 Millions of Dollars
Van Bronckhorst looks a skilful, playmaking midfielder with his club side Rangers FC but has operated at left-back for the Netherlands. A member of the Dutch squad at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, van Bronckhorst made his international debut against Brazil in 1996. He moved from Feyenoord to Rangers in the summer of 1998 and, under compatriot and former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat, has won two Scottish championships with the Glasgow club.

van Hooijdonk, Pierre
Benfica & Netherlands

Birthdate: November 29, 1969
Birthplace: Steenbergen, Netherlands
Height: 190 cms
Weight: 88 kgs
Position: Forward
International: 20 caps, 7 goals (as of June 24, 2000)
World Cups: 1 (1998)
Previous Clubs: RBC Roosendaal, NAC Breda, Celtic, Nottingham Forest, Vitesse
Transfer Fee: $6.50 Millions of Dollars
Van Hooijdonk rediscovered his form with SBV Vitesse after an unhappy conclusion to his stay with Nottingham Forest FC in England, which saw him go on strike for half of the 1998/99 season after criticising the club’s lack of ambition. He played for RBC Roosendaal and NAC Breda before moving to Celtic FC in 1995. He was a huge success in Scotland, scoring 44 goals in 66 league games for Celtic. Usually used as a substitute at international level, he came off the bench twice during Holland’s 1998 World Cup finals campaign, scoring against South Korea. Is always a danger from dead-ball situations.

Netherlands

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