In World Cup 1994 qualifying, England suffered a contentious 2-0 defeat to Netherlands, marked by Ronald Koeman’s avoidance of a red card and penalty following his foul on David Platt. Graham Taylor lamented that England had been “deprived,” echoing widespread sentiment. Now, England will confront Koeman’s Netherlands again in the Euro 2024 semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday.
David Platt charges forward towards the goal – this is the chance that could propel England into the 1994 World Cup
With almost an hour gone in Rotterdam and the score tied at nil-nil, England can secure their place with just a draw against the Netherlands.
Andy Sinton’s lofted pass sailed beyond the Dutch defense, finding its mark with the striker, who faced only goalkeeper Ed de Goey. What followed was a moment that etched itself into England’s history as one of the most contentious incidents ever witnessed.
Netherlands captain Ronald Koeman extends his right arm, pulling Platt down onto the ground. Referee Karl-Josef Assenmacher rushes over immediately, signaling towards the penalty spot. The next moment holds suspense: will Assenmacher also issue a red card to Koeman, Bongdalu who vehemently argues it should have been awarded as a free-kick instead?
Netherlands captain Ronald Koeman extends his right arm, pulling Platt down onto the ground. Referee Karl-Josef Assenmacher rushes over immediately, signaling towards the penalty spot. The next moment holds suspense: will Assenmacher also issue a red card to Koeman, who vehemently argues it should have been awarded as a free-kick instead?
However, Assenmacher overturns his initial call, siding with Koeman’s viewpoint, and to everyone’s surprise, issues a yellow card to the defender.
“Exactly what are they being taught?” demanded Graham Taylor, the England boss, in a scene captured for Channel 4’s documentary An Impossible Job. “What on earth is going on? Utterly disgraceful.”
Shortly after, things took a turn for Taylor and England. Just moments later, ITV’s esteemed commentator Brian Moore’s prediction of “he’s going to flick one, he’s going to flick one” materialized as Koeman expertly curled a free-kick into the upper left corner, putting Netherlands in front.
“Isn’t it clear we’ve been swindled?” Taylor remarks to the assistant referee. “The referee’s cost me my job. Please pass on my gratitude to him for that, would you?”
England suffer a 2-0 loss, and despite a 7-1 victory over San Marino a month later in November 1993, the Three Lions miss out on qualification. Taylor steps down from his position six days afterward.
Koeman, who previously managed Southampton, Everton, and Barcelona, is now leading the Netherlands for the second time. Recently, he acknowledged that he should have resigned from his position earlier.
“In retrospect,” he reminisced in 2018, “that was an obvious foul. If it had happened today, it would definitely warrant a red card. I was relieved when the referee called it a free-kick rather than a penalty.”
England’s revenge at Euro 1996
England’s record against the Netherlands stands at six victories and seven losses, but their most memorable triumph over the Dutch occurred during Euro 1996.
Paul Gascoigne’s memorable goal against Scotland ignited the celebration, yet it was England’s dazzling display in the last group match that truly captured the nation’s imagination.
Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham both scored twice to give Terry Venables’ England a commanding four-goal lead by the 62nd minute. Patrick Kluivert managed to score a late goal for the opposition, sealing Scotland’s elimination from the competition.
“We faced Holland and defeated their total football style,” Shearer reflected. “It’s a performance that, in my lifetime, I don’t believe England have surpassed, even considering the five goals Sven-Goran Eriksson’s team scored against Germany in 2001.”
Koeman vs Southgate – evenly divided victory
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He started his initial tenure by experiencing a 1-0 loss to England in March 2018, a result widely regarded as a significant win for Gareth Southgate in the lead-up to the World Cup Thapcamtv.
Jesse Lingard netted his debut international goal as England secured a historic win over the Netherlands, marking their first victory against them since Euro 1996 and their inaugural triumph in the Dutch capital since 1969.
Southgate persisted with his back three trial, deploying Kyle Walker on the right flank of the defense alongside John Stones and Joe Gomez. Despite missing Harry Kane, England stretched their undefeated streak to seven matches.
Koeman appointed Virgil van Dijk as his fresh captain, alongside Stefan de Vrij, Memphis Depay, and Wout Weghorst, all of whom participated and are set to do so once more come Wednesday evening.
In a swift retaliation, the Netherlands surged forward again the following year, advancing to the Nations League final in June 2019. They secured their spot with a dramatic 3-1 triumph over England after extra time, marking the culmination of their latest encounter.
Marcus Rashford converted a penalty, yet foreshadowing England’s future under Southgate, they retreated and failed to capitalize on their advantage, leading to Matthijs de Ligt’s equalizer.
Jesse Lingard saw a potential late winner disallowed for offside by VAR, while defensive errors from John Stones and Ross Barkley during extra time, attempting to play from deep, resulted in an own-goal from Kyle Walker and a third goal by Quincy Promes.
