The France and Netherlands national football teams first met in 1908, at the Olympic Games in London. France won the match 2-1. The two teams met again in 1919, in the first official match between the two sides. France won that match as well, 4-1.
In the early years, France and Netherlands were two of the strongest teams in European football. France won the Olympic gold medal in 1924 and 1928, while Netherlands won the silver medal in 1920.
1960s
The 1960s was a golden era for both France and Netherlands. France hosted the 1960 European Championship, and Netherlands emerged as a rising force in European football.
The two teams met in the semifinals of the 1960 European Championship, with France winning 4-0. France went on to win the tournament, defeating the Soviet Union in the final.
1970s
The 1970s was a decade of decline for both France and Netherlands. France failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1970 and 1974, while Netherlands failed to qualify for the European Championship in 1972 and 1976.
The two teams met in the semifinals of the 1978 World Cup, with Netherlands winning 3-1. Netherlands went on to lose the final to Argentina.
1980s
The 1980s was a decade of resurgence for both France and Netherlands. France qualified for the World Cup in 1982 and 1986, while Netherlands qualified for the European Championship in 1980 and 1988.
The two teams met in the group stage of the 1988 European Championship, with France winning 1-0. France went on to reach the semifinals of the tournament, where they lost to West Germany.
1990s
The 1990s was a decade of dominance for France. France won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.
The two teams met in the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup, with France winning 2-1. France went on to win the tournament, defeating Brazil in the final.
2000s
The 2000s was a decade of decline for both France and Netherlands. France failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2002, while Netherlands failed to qualify for the European Championship in 2004.
The two teams met in the group stage of the 2008 European Championship, with France winning 4-1. France went on to reach the final of the tournament, where they lost to Italy.
2010s
The 2010s was a decade of resurgence for both France and Netherlands. France won the World Cup in 2018, while Netherlands reached the final of the Nations League in 2019.
The two teams met in the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, with France winning 2-1. France went on to win the tournament, defeating Croatia in the final.
2020s
The 2020s have been a decade of success for both France and Netherlands. France won the Nations League in 2021, while Netherlands reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2022.
The two teams met in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, with France winning 2-0. France went on to reach the final of the tournament, where they lost to Argentina.
Conclusion
France and Netherlands have a long and storied rivalry. The two teams have met 67 times in all competitions, with France leading the head-to-head record with 33 wins to Netherlands’ 22. There have been 12 draws.
France and Netherlands are two of the most successful teams in European football. France has won the World Cup twice and the European Championship three times. Netherlands has won the European Championship once and the Nations League once.
The rivalry between France and Netherlands is one of the most intense in international football. The two teams are always evenly matched, and the matches are always exciting.
