Holland Vs Germany: The history behind the rivalry

Holland take on arch enemies Germany tonight knowing that a loss will seriously jeopardise their chances of making the knockout stagesBrief history of the rivalryThe football rivalry between Germany and Holland is one of the few longstanding rivalries at national level. It started in 1974, the Dutch lost the final of the World cup to West Germany getting beaten 1-2. The origins of the rivalry are based on the anti-German sentiment resulting from World War II in which, during a five year German occupation, a quarter of a million Dutch people died and the country itself was devastated. The loss of the 1974 final was painful for the Dutch as it took them until 1988 to beat the Germans and they went on to win the European championships. Two games took place before this though and they were surrounded by controversy as the match in 1980 saw Toni Schumacher and Huub Stevens fighting on the pitch, whereas Rene van de Kerkhof went on to punch Bernd Schuster in the eye. In 1990, both sides met again during the second round of the World cup. This match is always regarded as the main catalyst for the modern German- Dutch rivalry. The game was remembered for its high number of fouls and incidents, Rudi Voller was hacked down by Frank Rijkaard, who was booked and spat in Vollers hair. After the resulting free kick, Voller and the Dutch keeper collided which allowed Rijkaard to get involved again shouting at Voller. Rijkaard then pulled his hair and both players were sent off but as they left the field Rijkaard spat in Vollers hair for a second time. The last competitive match between the two ended in a 3-1 win for the Dutch in 1992 at the European championships. Tonight's game however has huge significance as the Germans could eliminate Holland if Denmark get a draw against Portugal. Germany didn't look incredible against Portugal but they did manage to get all three points. The same can't be said about Holland as they go into tonight's game knowing a win is vital. This may mean that Bert van Marwijk will have to abandon his tactis that got him to the Euros and the World cup final. The team need more creativity and I wouldn't be surprised to see Nigel De Jong dropped to the bench. Rafael van der Vaart offers more in an attacking sense along with Kevin Strootman and either of them could replace the City player in Holland's midfield. The emphasis will be on Holland but they will have to remain focused at the back as the Germans possess the ability to spring attacks through Mesut Ozil and co.Match PreviewHead-to-Head- Germany and Holland meet for a record-equalling fifth time at European championships; Only Germany and the Czechs (before and after 'velvet divorce' with Slovakia) can match that.- The last time they met was a friendly in November in Hamburg, Germany beating a weakened Dutch side 3-0 - the Oranje's heaviest defeat since a 4-1 loss against England at Euro 1996.- These countries have met 38 times (Holland winning 10 times, Germany winning 14). The Dutch have only played Belgium more, and the Germans have only played Switzerland more.- Holland (37) and Germany (34) were the top two goal-scoring nations in Euro 2012 qualifying. - No match between the two has ever ended up in a 0-0 draw.- No game between the sides has ever been played in Holland.- Germany have scored the first goal of the match in five of the seven competitive meetings.Facts- The last time the Dutch failed to progress from the group stage of a European championships was in 1980, when their exit involved a defeat by West Germany. - Holland have won just three of their past eight games (losing vs Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria & Denmark).-The Germany side that beat Portugal was the youngest-ever starting XI Germany has fielded at a Euros.- Germany conceded fewer fouls than any other side during qualifying for Euro 2012.- Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's 12- goal haul in qualifying was one short of the overall individual record.- Match-winning goal-scorer Mario Gomez had just eight touches in the first half against Portugal.- The Dutch side have not lost back-to-back since 1995.- At 18 years & 71 days old, PSV Eindhoven left-back Jetro Willems became the youngest-ever player to feature in a European championships when he started against Denmark on Saturday. - Germany have scored in their past 17 games dating back to 2010.

Source: DSG