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 most fascinating matchups in international football. Over the years, these two giants of Europe have battled it out on numerous occasions, delivering thrilling moments for football fans.
Their encounters span more than a century, with their first clash dating back to 1908. Each meeting is a testament to the intensity and passion that characterizes football at the highest level, with historic wins, dramatic losses, and tactical showdowns.
The Netherlands vs France rivalry is not just about statistics; it’s about the legacy both nations have built on the pitch. From FIFA World Cup qualifying matches to high-stakes UEFA European Championship fixtures, every match has played a role in shaping the footballing histories of these two countries.
Let’s take a detailed look at the timeline of their competitive encounters, starting from the early 1900s and stretching into the exciting modern-day showdowns.
France National Football Team: Record vs Netherlands
The France national football team boasts a commendable record against the Netherlands national football team. Over the course of 31 matches, France has managed to claim victory 16 times, drawing 4, and losing 11.
Their first victory came in 1934, where France emerged victorious in a thrilling 5-4 match in Amsterdam, showcasing their resilience on Dutch soil. Over time, France has steadily built a reputation for being a formidable opponent.
One of France’s most iconic wins was a 4-0 triumph in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on August 31, 2017, showing the evolution of the team under world-class management. France’s ability to adapt and produce star talents like Kylian Mbappé has further solidified their dominance in recent years, making them one of the top contenders in European football.
All-Time Matches Between France and Netherlands
Since their first encounter on May 10, 1908, where the Netherlands claimed a 4-1 victory, these teams have faced each other in various competitions.
One notable early encounter was the International Friendly match on April 2, 1923, where the Netherlands overpowered France with an 8-1 win. However, France has had its share of dominant performances, especially in recent years.
With matches across prestigious tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup, this rivalry has always maintained high stakes. Fans across the globe eagerly anticipate every meeting between these footballing nations, knowing that it will be a hard-fought battle, no matter the competition.
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Overall Matches: France vs Netherlands
| Total Matches Played | 31 |
| France Wins | 16 |
| Netherlands Wins | 11 |
| Draws | 4 |
| First Match | May 10, 1908 (Netherlands 4-1 France) |
| Largest Win (Netherlands) | 8-1 (April 1923) |
| Largest Win (France) | 4-0 (August 31, 2017) |
| Most Recent Match | October 13, 2023 (France 2-1 Netherlands) |
France vs Netherlands: Competitive Football Results
When it comes to competitive results, the rivalry is extremely balanced. In UEFA Nations League matches, France has maintained a slight edge, particularly in the 2018 edition where France won 2-1 in the first leg on September 9 but lost the return fixture 2-0 on November 16. Such results underscore the unpredictable nature of this rivalry.
Meanwhile, in the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, France has often had the upper hand. Their victories in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, including a resounding 4-0 win, remain fresh in the memories of fans.
It is these competitive victories that have helped France qualify consistently for major international tournaments, including the 2024 UEFA European Championship.
2024 European Championship Qualifying, Group Stage
The ongoing battle between France and the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 Qualifying Group Stage has been nothing short of dramatic. As of October 2023, France has remained unbeaten, securing 18 points from six matches, while the Netherlands are chasing them with 9 points from five games. Both teams are working hard to solidify their places in Euro 2024.
With each match, fans can feel the tension rising, particularly after the thrilling October 13, 2023, match at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.
This fixture, where France narrowly won 2-1, highlighted the fierce competition between the two sides. It was a crucial moment for France’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign, ensuring their top position in the group.
Netherlands vs France: Euro 2024 Qualifying Match Report
In the highly anticipated October 13, 2023 match, the stakes were high for both teams. France, already dominant in the qualifiers, sought to secure their spot in Euro 2024, while the Netherlands aimed to strengthen their position.
The match took place in the iconic Johan Cruijff Arena with an impressive attendance of 51,310 fans, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. Kylian Mbappé was the star of the show, scoring both goals for France at the 7th and 53rd minutes.
Despite a late goal by Quilindschy Hartman in the 83rd minute, the Netherlands couldn’t find an equalizer. This thrilling encounter not only ensured France’s qualification for Euro 2024 but also showcased the resilience and skill of both teams.
Mbappé Double Secures France’s Spot in Euro 202
The match on October 13, 2023, will be remembered for the sheer brilliance of Kylian Mbappé. With two stunning goals, Mbappé continued to prove why he’s regarded as one of the best players in the world.
His first goal came early in the 7th minute, setting the tone for a strong French performance, while his second goal just after halftime all but secured the victory.
Mbappé’s performance was instrumental in securing France’s Euro 2024 qualification, showing his unmatched pace and finishing ability. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches makes him a key figure not only in French football but in international football as a whole.
Head-to-Head Records of France vs Netherlands
Over their long history of encounters, France vs Netherlands head-to-head records reveal a closely contested rivalry. The overall stats of their 31 matches highlight the competitive nature of their fixtures, with France winning 16 games, Netherlands winning 11, and 4 games ending in draws.
This balance of power has shifted slightly in recent years, with France winning several crucial encounters in UEFA European Championship and World Cup qualifiers, asserting their dominance in international football. Despite these shifts, each new match remains highly unpredictable, showcasing the fierce rivalry between these two footballing nations.
France vs Netherlands: FIFA World Cup Qualifying Matches
The road to the FIFA World Cup has often seen these two giants face off in high-stakes qualifying matches. One of the most memorable encounters came in 1981 when France beat the Netherlands 2-0, setting the stage for their successful qualification campaign for the 1982 World Cup.
France again showcased their dominance in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 4-0 in a match that fans will not forget anytime soon.
The intensity of their FIFA World Cup qualifying encounters reflects the competitive spirit between the two teams. Every match in this competition is crucial, with both teams often vying for a spot in the tournament, and it has led to some unforgettable performances.
France vs Netherlands in UEFA European Championships
UEFA European Championship encounters between France and the Netherlands have provided football fans with several thrilling moments.
Their clash in the Euro 2000 saw the Netherlands clinch a 3-2 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, France bounced back in later editions, demonstrating their tactical evolution over the years.
More recently, in Euro 2024 qualifiers, France once again got the better of the Netherlands with a 4-0 win in March 2023. These matches highlight the ongoing competitiveness between the two nations in the European football scene, with both teams aiming for continental glory.
France vs Netherlands in UEFA Nations League
The UEFA Nations League has also been a battleground for these two football powerhouses. In the 2018 edition of the competition, France secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg before falling to a 2-0 defeat in the return leg, showing just how closely matched these teams are.
The UEFA Nations League offers a unique opportunity for these two sides to face off outside traditional qualifiers, providing fresh challenges and thrilling encounters that fans are eager to watch. Every game in this competition is fiercely contested, adding to the ongoing rivalry.
Historical International Friendlies Between France and Netherlands
Going back to the early 20th century, the rivalry between France and the Netherlands began with International Friendly matches. Their first encounter in 1908 resulted in a 4-1 victory for the Netherlands, setting the stage for a series of thrilling friendlies throughout the years. These matches have often served as a platform for teams to test strategies and build squad chemistry.
One of the most memorable friendlies was the 3-4 win by the Netherlands in 1931, a game that saw both sides display attacking football. These friendly matches have played a pivotal role in maintaining the intensity of the rivalry over the years.
Recent Encounters Between France and Netherlands
In recent years, the matches between the France national football team and the Netherlands national football team have continued to captivate fans worldwide. France has had a notable upper hand, including a dominant 4-0 win in August 2017 during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which showcased the rise of stars like Kylian Mbappé and the tactical prowess of their squad.
This match cemented France’s supremacy in European football during that period and highlighted the tactical challenges the Netherlands faced in reclaiming their former glory. More recently, the two teams met during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with France securing a 2-1 win on October 13, 2023, at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
The match was marked by a double from Kylian Mbappé, whose goals helped secure France’s place in the tournament. Despite a late fightback from the Dutch, courtesy of a goal by Quilindschy Hartman, the match ended in France’s favor, showcasing the current gap between the two teams in terms of form and execution.
Netherlands’ Home Matches Against France
Over the years, matches between France and the Netherlands on Dutch soil have often been intense and tightly contested. Historically, the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam has hosted many thrilling encounters between these two teams, including the most recent Euro 2024 qualifying match in October 2023.
With over 51,310 fans in attendance, the stadium was packed with Dutch supporters hoping for a victory. However, despite their home advantage, the Netherlands have struggled to assert dominance over France in recent years.
In one of their earlier encounters in 1981, during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Netherlands managed to secure a critical win on home turf. However, in more recent history, French victories have become more common, such as the 2-0 win by the Netherlands in the 2018 UEFA Nations League, a brief but memorable victory against an otherwise dominant French team.
Key Moments in France vs Netherlands Football Rivalry
The long-standing rivalry between France and the Netherlands has seen several key moments that have shaped their encounters. One of the most memorable matches occurred during Euro 2000, where the Netherlands triumphed 3-2 in a thrilling group-stage match, leaving a lasting impression on both teams’ histories.
The Dutch side, known for their attacking flair, showcased their ability to break down a strong French defense in this iconic fixture. More recently, the 2018 UEFA Nations League provided another key moment in this rivalry.
After a 2-1 win for France in the first leg, the Netherlands delivered a surprise 2-0 victory in the return leg. This win broke France’s momentum and demonstrated that despite France’s consistent dominance, the Netherlands could still deliver decisive results when it mattered most.
France’s Dominance Over Netherlands in Recent Matches
In the last decade, France has firmly established dominance over the Netherlands, particularly in competitive fixtures. With stars like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann leading the charge, France has consistently outplayed the Netherlands, winning crucial matches in both FIFA World Cup qualifiers and UEFA European qualifiers. The 4-0 win in 2017 was a particularly striking example of France’s superior form, as they dismantled the Dutch defense with ease.
France’s dominance continued in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, especially in the October 2023 fixture where they secured a 2-1 victory on Dutch soil. This consistency in results underlines France’s recent supremacy in European football, where they have not only outscored but also tactically outclassed the Netherlands.
Top Players in France vs Netherlands Fixtures
Throughout the history of France vs Netherlands matches, several top players have left their mark. Kylian Mbappé has been a standout figure in recent encounters, consistently scoring against the Dutch, including his memorable double in the October 2023 Euro 2024 qualifier.
His speed, clinical finishing, and game intelligence make him one of the most feared players on the field. On the Dutch side, Virgil van Dijk, the Netherlands’ captain and defensive rock, has often been a key player in containing France’s potent attack.
Additionally, rising stars like Quilindschy Hartman have also made their mark, with Hartman scoring a late goal in the 2023 qualifier, showing that the Netherlands still possesses young talent capable of challenging Europe’s best.
Match Statistics: Netherlands vs France Euro 2024 Qualifier
The October 13, 2023, Euro 2024 qualifier between the Netherlands and France saw some fascinating statistics. France dominated possession with 58% of the ball, while the Netherlands managed 42%. France also led in shots on goal, registering 6 shots on target compared to the Netherlands’ 4.
This statistical dominance translated directly into the 2-1 scoreline, where France capitalized on their opportunities. The match also saw key contributions from Mbappé, whose 2 goals were the difference-makers.
In contrast, the Netherlands struggled to break down France’s defense, relying heavily on late-game attacks, with Hartman scoring their only goal. The statistics highlight the importance of efficiency in front of goal, something France excelled at during the match.
France vs Netherlands: Tactical Analysis of Recent Encounters
Tactically, France has often outmaneuvered the Netherlands in recent matches. The Euro 2024 qualifier on October 13, 2023, was a prime example, where France’s high-pressing game disrupted the Dutch from building play through the midfield.
Kylian Mbappé exploited the Dutch defensive line with his pace, leading to his two goals, both a result of swift counter-attacks and pinpoint passing from the French midfield. In contrast, the Netherlands struggled to implement their attacking philosophy, relying on long balls and set pieces to generate chances.
Defensively, they faced difficulty in dealing with the speed of France’s forwards. Although the Dutch managed to score late through Hartman, their lack of control in midfield and defensive lapses allowed France to dictate the pace of the game.
Venue and Attendance for Netherlands vs France Matches
The Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam has been a regular host for many Netherlands vs France matches, including the October 13, 2023, Euro 2024 qualifier. With a seating capacity of over 51,000, this iconic venue has seen numerous historic moments in international football.
For the 2023 qualifier, a full house of 51,310 fans created an electric atmosphere, with Dutch supporters hoping for a positive result against their French counterparts.
The Johan Cruijff Arena has often been a fortress for the Dutch national team, but in recent encounters with France, it has been the site of several losses. Despite the passionate support from the home crowd, France’s tactical superiority and star power have overshadowed the Dutch team on multiple occasions.
Key Players in Euro 2024 Qualifier: Mbappé and Hartman
The Euro 2024 qualifier on October 13, 2023, saw standout performances from Kylian Mbappé of France and Quilindschy Hartman of the Netherlands. Mbappé, with his two goals, once again proved why he is considered one of the best players in the world.
His speed, movement off the ball, and clinical finishing made him the difference-maker in the match. On the Dutch side, Quilindschy Hartman emerged as a young talent to watch.
His late goal in the 83rd minute gave the Netherlands hope, and although it wasn’t enough to secure a point, Hartman showed his potential to contribute to the Dutch national team in future competitions. His performance marked a significant moment in his international career.
Impact of Mbappé’s Performance in France’s Victory
Kylian Mbappé’s performance in the October 13, 2023 match was nothing short of spectacular. His first goal came in the 7th minute, setting the tone for a fast-paced and aggressive French attack. Mbappé’s ability to exploit space behind the Dutch defense caused problems throughout the match.
His second goal, scored in the 53rd minute, came from a well-executed counter-attack, highlighting his composure in front of goal. This performance secured France’s victory and ensured their qualification for Euro 2024.
Mbappé’s influence in recent encounters against the Netherlands cannot be overstated. His pace, skill, and ability to finish chances have made him a key figure in France’s continued dominance over the Dutch in major international competitions.
Team Formations in Netherlands vs France Euro 2024 Qualifier
In the Euro 2024 qualifier on October 13, 2023, France deployed a balanced 4-3-3 formation, with Mbappé leading the attack. This formation allowed France to press high and counter quickly, utilizing the speed of their front line.
The French midfield, led by Antoine Griezmann, controlled the tempo and dictated play, while their defense remained solid, limiting the Dutch to few clear-cut chances. The Netherlands lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield and build from the back.
However, they struggled to break down the French defense, and their forward line lacked the sharpness needed to capitalize on chances. Despite a tactical shift later in the game, their formation was unable to cope with France’s fluid attacking play.
Possession and Shots on Goal: Netherlands vs France Stats
The October 13, 2023 match saw France dominate possession with 58%, while the Netherlands had 42%. This control of the ball allowed France to dictate the pace of the game, particularly in the midfield, where Griezmann and Tchouaméni were instrumental in maintaining control.
France also registered more shots on goal, with 6 on target, compared to the Netherlands’ 4. These statistics highlight France’s efficiency and control in key areas of the pitch.
While the Netherlands tried to make the most of their possession, they were often forced to take long shots or rely on set-pieces, as France’s defense, led by Upamecano and Koundé, kept their attacking threats at bay. This disparity in possession and goal-scoring opportunities was reflected in the final scoreline.
Referees and Match Officials for Netherlands vs France Matches
For the October 13, 2023, Euro 2024 qualifier, the match officials were led by experienced referee Anthony Taylor from England.
Taylor has overseen many high-profile international matches and brought a calm, authoritative presence to the field. His decision-making in crucial moments, including disciplinary actions, was fair and balanced, allowing the game to flow without major interruptions.
The presence of experienced referees in matches between France and the Netherlands is essential due to the intense nature of the rivalry. These matches often require a firm yet fair approach from officials to maintain order and ensure that the game remains competitive yet respectful.
France’s Road to Euro 2024 Qualification
With the October 2023 victory over the Netherlands, France officially secured their spot in Euro 2024. Their journey through the qualifiers has been nearly flawless, with six wins from six matches by October 2023.
This includes dominant performances such as the 4-0 win over the Netherlands in March 2023 and other convincing victories against teams like Ireland and Greece.
France’s road to Euro 2024 has been marked by a strong defense, creative midfield play, and the consistent brilliance of players like Mbappé and Griezmann. Their efficient style of play has made them one of the favorites to lift the trophy next summer, continuing their dominance in international football.
The Rivalry Between France and Netherlands in International Football
The rivalry between France and the Netherlands in international football stretches back over a century, with their first match dating back to 1908. Over the decades, the rivalry has grown in intensity, with each team taking turns in asserting dominance.
The Netherlands had a strong period in the 1970s and early 2000s, while France has dominated much of the modern era, particularly from the 2010s onward.
Despite the recent dominance of France, this rivalry remains one of the most exciting in European football. Both nations have a rich footballing heritage, with the Netherlands known for their “Total Football” philosophy and France for producing world-class players who have consistently performed on the international stage.
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Quick Fact
- First Match: May 10, 1908 (Netherlands 4-1 France)
- Total Matches Played: 31
- France Wins: 16
- Netherlands Wins: 11
- Draws: 4
- Largest Win: Netherlands 8-1 France (April 1923)
- Most Recent Match: October 13, 2023 (France 2-1 Netherlands)
- Top Scorer in Recent Matches: Kylian Mbappé
Final Thoughts
The France vs Netherlands rivalry continues to be one of the most anticipated fixtures in international football. While France has emerged as the dominant team in recent years, the Netherlands has always been a formidable opponent.
Each match between these two teams promises excitement, with top players like Mbappé and emerging stars such as Hartman driving the action. As both teams look ahead to Euro 2024, the rivalry is set to produce even more thrilling encounters.
FAQs
How many times have France and the Netherlands faced each other?
France and the Netherlands have played 31 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.
What was the result of their most recent match?
The most recent match, on October 13, 2023, ended in a 2-1 victory for France.
Who scored in the Euro 2024 qualifier match on October 13, 2023?
Kylian Mbappé scored twice for France, while Quilindschy Hartman scored for the Netherlands.
When is the next scheduled match between these teams?
The next match will likely take place during the Euro 2024 tournament, depending on the draw and progression of both teams.
