Holland Football Formation

Lineup (4-3-3)

Jan Jongbloed · Ruud Krol (c) · Jan Poortvliet · Wim Jansen · Ernie Brandts · Arie Haan · Willy van de Kerkhof · Johan Neeskens · Rob Rensenbrink · René van de Kerkhof · Johnny Rep

Netherlands "Runners-Up XI" (1978)

Even without Cruyff, the brilliant Oranjes continued their supremacy at the world stage. However they lost again in the final, this time to Argentina though. Interestingly Netherlands lost their second World Cup final in a row, both times to the host nation, after losing to West Germany in 1974.

The final is mired in some controversy as the Dutch accused the Argentines of using stalling tactics to delay the match. The host team came out late and questioned the legality of a plaster cast on René van de Kerkhof's wrist, which the Dutch claimed allowed tension to build in front of a hostile Buenos Aires crowd. The Netherlands refused to attend the post-match ceremonies after the match ended.

The back to back final losses in the World Cup, till now remains the best achievements of the dutch sides.

Coach/Manager : Ernst Happel

Reserves include : Adrie van Kraay, Wim Rijsbergen, Dick Nanninga, Pim Doesburg and Wim Suurbier.