During Holland's peak they reached two consecutive World Cup finals losing the first to hosts Germany in 1974 and losing the second to hosts Argentina. Holland's greatest success came when they won the Euro 1988 with a memorable volley by now national coach Marco Van Bastan.

Holland's main rivals are Germany, this dates back to the war but has been fueled by many heated matches since. The match that really started the rivalry came in 1974 when Germany beat Holland in the final when many believed Holland were the best team in the world.