Netherlands National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline: Iconic Moments, Rivalry, Stats & Memorable Matches
Netherlands National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline: The rivalry between the Netherlands national football team and the France national football team is one of the oldest in football history, filled with excitement, drama, and fierce competition. From their first encounter in 1908 to their latest clash in 2024, these two teams have faced each other in a variety of competitions, showcasing different styles of play and generations of talent.
Whether it’s a high-stakes match in the FIFA World Cup, a dramatic showdown in the UEFA European Championship, or a tense battle in the UEFA Nations League, the matches between France and the Netherlands are always ones to watch.
This long-standing football rivalry has brought out the best in both teams. France, with its tactical strength, and the Netherlands, famous for their “Total Football” style, have always provided entertaining and unpredictable matches.
From Kylian Mbappé’s goals to Memphis Depay’s brilliant strikes, the players have been key to creating moments that live on in football history. Fans of both teams know that when France and the Netherlands face off, they’re in for a football spectacle.
Netherlands National Football Team vs France National Football Team Timeline
The rivalry officially began on May 10, 1908, when France and the Netherlands first met in an international friendly. This initial match, which ended in a 4-1 victory for the Netherlands, was just the start of over 100 years of competitive football between the two nations.
As the years went on, both teams built formidable reputations in international football, and their encounters became increasingly significant. Throughout the decades, these two teams have clashed in various competitions.
From international friendlies in the early 20th century to more high-profile encounters in the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup, each game has added to the intense football rivalry. In recent years, their meetings in the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers have added even more drama to their already storied history.
Head-to-Head Record Overview
As of 2024, the France national football team and Netherlands national football team have met over 30 times across different competitions. In these meetings, France has won 16 matches, the Netherlands has claimed 11 victories, and there have been 4 draws.
These statistics highlight how evenly matched these two teams have been over the years, despite their different footballing philosophies. While France holds the advantage in terms of overall wins, the Netherlands has managed to secure some memorable victories, especially in UEFA European Championships.
For instance, their 4-1 win in Euro 2008 was a standout performance, while France has often had the upper hand in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This balance of wins and losses has kept the rivalry intense and unpredictable.
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Overall Stats Table: France vs Netherlands
| Category | France | Netherlands |
| Total Matches Played | 31 | 31 |
| France Wins | 16 | – |
| Netherlands Wins | – | 11 |
| Draws | 4 | 4 |
| Largest Victory (France) | 4-0 (2017, 2023) | – |
| Largest Victory (Netherlands) | – | 8-1 (1923) |
| First Match | 1908 (Netherlands 4-1 France) | 1908 (Netherlands 4-1 France) |
| Most Recent Match | October 2023 (France 2-1 Netherlands) | October 2023 (France 2-1 Netherlands) |
| Competitive Tournaments | UEFA Euro, FIFA WC, UEFA NL | UEFA Euro, FIFA WC, UEFA NL |
| France Goals | 59 | – |
| Netherlands Goals | – | 51 |
Early Encounters (1908-1949)
The early matches between France and the Netherlands were largely friendlies, with the Netherlands dominating many of the encounters. Between 1908 and 1949, the Dutch side won multiple games, including a notable 8-1 victory in 1923.
These matches helped the Netherlands build a reputation as a rising football power in Europe, while France was still developing its national team. However, as the years progressed, France began to improve, securing wins in key friendlies, such as their 5-4 victory in 1934.
This period laid the foundation for what would become one of the most exciting football rivalries in Europe. The matches were not just about friendly competition—they were setting the stage for future encounters in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and European Championships.
UEFA Competitions in the 1990s
The 1990s marked a turning point in the rivalry as both teams began competing at the highest levels of European football. In 1992, France and the Netherlands faced off in the UEFA European Championship, where they played to a 1-1 draw in the group stages.
This match was a sign of things to come, as both teams were entering a golden era of football, featuring stars like Marcel Desailly and Frank de Boer. In 1996, they met again in the UEFA European Championship, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw, showcasing both teams’ defensive prowess.
The 1990s were also marked by France’s rise to dominance in world football, capped off by their 1998 FIFA World Cup win. During this period, France often had the upper hand in competitive matches, setting the stage for even more thrilling encounters in the new millennium.
Memorable Matches in Euro 2000 and Euro 2008
One of the most exciting matches in this rivalry came during the UEFA European Championship in 2000, when the Netherlands defeated France 3-2 in a thrilling group stage match. Both teams were stacked with talent, with players like Thierry Henry and Patrick Kluivert putting on a show.
Despite France going on to win the tournament, the Dutch victory in this match remains a highlight for their fans. In Euro 2008, the Netherlands delivered a stunning performance, defeating France 4-1 in one of the most memorable games of the tournament.
Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were the stars of the show, as they tore apart the French defense. This emphatic win solidified the Netherlands’ place among Europe’s elite teams, while France struggled to regain their form after the loss.
World Cup Qualifiers: Key Clashes
The FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been another battleground for the Netherlands and France. One of the most crucial matches came in 1981, when France beat the Netherlands 2-0 to secure their spot in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
This match was a turning point for both teams, as France began to establish itself as a football powerhouse, while the Netherlands missed out on the tournament. In more recent qualifiers, France has had the upper hand. In 2016, they secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a tense match, followed by a dominant 4-0 win in 2017.
These matches not only helped France qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which they would go on to win, but also underscored the shifting balance of power in the rivalry.
UEFA Nations League Encounters (2016-2018)
The introduction of the UEFA Nations League in 2018 brought a new level of competition to international football, and the France-Netherlands rivalry was reignited in this tournament.
In the first round of the group stage, France secured a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, with Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann scoring for the French side. This win extended France’s unbeaten streak against the Dutch to three matches.
However, in the return fixture, the Netherlands stunned France with a 2-0 victory, ending their unbeaten run. Memphis Depay was the star of the match, scoring a late goal to seal the win. This victory was significant for the Netherlands, as it marked their resurgence on the international stage after years of struggle.
France vs Netherlands: Recent Results (2019-2024)
In the most recent encounters, France has continued to dominate. In 2023, the two teams met in the UEFA European Championship qualifiers, with France securing a resounding 4-0 victory.
Kylian Mbappé was the star of the match, scoring two goals and demonstrating why he is considered one of the best players in the world today. Dayot Upamecano and Antoine Griezmann also contributed with goals, showcasing France’s attacking prowess.
The most recent match in October 2023 saw France once again triumph over the Netherlands with a 2-1 win. Although the Netherlands fought hard, with Memphis Depay scoring late, France’s quality and depth proved too much to handle. As of 2024, France continues to hold the upper hand in this historic rivalry, though the Dutch team remains a formidable opponent.
Famous Players in the Rivalry
Over the years, many legendary players have taken part in this rivalry. For France, stars like Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, and more recently, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann have played pivotal roles in their victories over the Netherlands.
These players have not only been key to France’s success in this rivalry but also in international football as a whole, helping their nation win the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and 2018. On the Dutch side, players like Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, and Frank de Boer have left their mark on this rivalry.
In more recent years, Memphis Depay has emerged as one of the key figures for the Netherlands, consistently performing at the highest level in matches against France. These players have been instrumental in making the rivalry one of the most exciting in international football.
| Player | Team | Goals Scored | Notable Matches |
| Kylian Mbappé | France | 4 | 2023 (2 goals in 4-0 win) |
| Antoine Griezmann | France | 3 | 2017, 2018 UEFA Nations League |
| Dayot Upamecano | France | 1 | 2023 (goal in 4-0 win) |
| Memphis Depay | Netherlands | 1 | 2023 (goal in 4-0 loss) |
| Marcel Desailly | France | 1 | 1996 Euro, multiple caps |
| Thierry Henry | France | 2 | Scored in World Cup qualifiers |
| Frank de Boer | Netherlands | 1 | Euro 2000, 2008 tournament |
Tactical Approaches and Coaching Styles
The tactical battle between the Netherlands and France has been just as interesting as the action on the pitch. France is known for their structured and tactical discipline, led by influential coaches like Didier Deschamps and Aimé Jacquet.
These managers have emphasized solid defensive structures paired with quick transitions, capitalizing on the pace and creativity of players like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. France’s ability to adapt to different opponents and exploit their weaknesses has been a significant factor in their dominance over the Netherlands in recent years.
On the other hand, the Netherlands has traditionally played an attacking style known as Total Football, developed by legends like Johan Cruyff and coached by figures such as Louis van Gaal and Frank de Boer. This approach relies on fluid movement, positional interchange, and high pressing.
The Dutch teams have always prioritized technical ability and creativity, as seen in the performances of players like Memphis Depay and Frank de Boer himself. Despite their attacking flair, the Netherlands has struggled to break through France’s disciplined defensive lines in recent encounters.
Record-Breaking Moments in the Rivalry
One of the most memorable moments in the France-Netherlands rivalry occurred in Euro 2008, when the Netherlands defeated France 4-1, marking one of the heaviest defeats France had experienced in modern times. This match showcased the brilliance of Dutch players like Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, whose performances cemented their place in European football history.
The victory also represented the largest margin of victory for the Netherlands over France in a competitive tournament. For France, the 4-0 win over the Netherlands in 2023 during the UEFA European Championship qualifiers stands out as a record-breaking victory.
Kylian Mbappé’s two goals and Dayot Upamecano’s defensive masterclass made this one of France’s most comprehensive wins in the rivalry. This match also underscored France’s ability to dominate top-tier European opposition, reinforcing their position as one of the world’s best teams.
Major Victories and Defeats for Both Teams
Throughout this historic rivalry, both France and the Netherlands have celebrated major victories. For the Netherlands, the 4-1 win in Euro 2008 remains one of their most significant triumphs.
In this match, the Dutch showcased their attacking brilliance, dismantling a French team that had been among the tournament favorites. The game was a reminder of the Netherlands’ footballing pedigree, even during periods when they struggled to maintain consistency.
On the French side, one of their most important victories came in 2017, during the World Cup qualifiers, when they defeated the Netherlands 4-0. This win, led by goals from Antoine Griezmann and Thomas Lemar, not only helped secure France’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but also demonstrated their superiority over the Dutch at the time.
This match was a precursor to France’s ultimate triumph in the 2018 World Cup, further solidifying their dominance in world football.
Head-to-Head Stats and Achievements as of 2024
As of 2024, the France national football team holds a clear advantage in the head-to-head record against the Netherlands national football team. With 16 victories compared to the Netherlands’ 11, and 4 draws, France has consistently edged out their Dutch rivals in major competitions.
The teams have met across various tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship, FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Nations League, with France often emerging as the stronger side. Despite this, the Netherlands has had its share of success, especially in high-stakes tournaments.
Their most notable achievement was the 4-1 demolition of France in Euro 2008, a game that highlighted the Dutch team’s potential. As both teams look to the future, the rivalry remains alive, with the potential for more dramatic and historic encounters in upcoming competitions like the UEFA European Championship 2024.
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Quick Facts
- First match: May 10, 1908, Netherlands 4-1 France (International Friendly).
- Total meetings: Over 30 matches played between France and the Netherlands.
- France wins: 16 matches.
- Netherlands wins: 11 matches.
- Largest victory (Netherlands): 8-1, April 1923.
- Largest victory (France): 4-0, August 31, 2017 (World Cup qualifier).
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands vs France football rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in international football. From thrilling goals to tactical battles, both teams have contributed to a rich football history.
As of 2024, France holds a slight advantage in their head-to-head record, but the Netherlands has demonstrated their ability to challenge the French on the biggest stages. Whether it’s a tense FIFA World Cup qualifier or a dramatic encounter in the UEFA European Championship, fans can always expect high-quality football when these two giants meet.
As we look ahead to future matches, the rivalry is sure to continue delivering unforgettable moments. Both teams have young, talented players like Kylian Mbappé and Memphis Depay, ensuring that the next chapter in their football rivalry will be just as exciting as the last.
FAQs
How many times have France and the Netherlands played against each other?
As of 2024, France and the Netherlands have played over 30 matches against each other.
Who has won more matches between France and the Netherlands?
France has won 16 matches, while the Netherlands has won 11 matches, with 4 draws between them.
What was the most memorable match between France and the Netherlands?
One of the most memorable matches was during Euro 2008, when the Netherlands beat France 4-1.
Who are the key players in the France vs Netherlands rivalry?
Key players include Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Memphis Depay, and legendary players like Marcel Desailly and Frank de Boer.
What was the result of the most recent match between France and the Netherlands?
In October 2023, France beat the Netherlands 2-1 in a UEFA European Championship qualifier.
