Holland prove themselves almost the best

Holland were considered the most attractive side in the World Cup but failed to win it again.

Penalty defeat against Brazil prevented the modern generation from making amends for losing two World Cup Finals in the 1970's but this side looked in a class apart at times in the competition.

The Dutch presented the most convincing team pattern of all the sides in the tournament and their technique was put to good use in high scoring matches. Now they need a new coach after Real Madrid succeeded in tempting Guus Hiddink away from the chance to challenge for the European Championships on home ground in the summer of 2000. Much of the present harmony in the Dutch squad can be attributed to the presence of the calm and knowledgeable Hiddink who managed to retain the faith of his players as they mounted a convincing challenge for the major title in world football.

It was such team spirit that allowed the Dutch to keep what appeared an unshakeable faith in their system of play and they were rewarded with two very late winners in successive matches against Yugoslavia and Argentina. They looked at times like the side with everything and a fit Marc Overmars may have helped them go even further.