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- Home Jersey
- Year: 2004-2005
- Player: Ruud van Nistelrooy, Clarence Seedorf, Phillip Cocu
- Size: L (55.5 cm x 75 cm)
- Brand: Nike
- Sponsor: -
- Details: Excellent condition
The Netherlands began the tournament against arch-rival Germany. They fell behind to a goal by German midfielder Torsten Frings but managed to secure a draw with a late goal by Ruud van Nistelrooij. In their second game against the Czech Republic, the Netherlands quickly took a 2-0 lead with goals from Wilfred Bouma and Van Nistelrooij within the first 20 minutes. However, Jan Koller soon reduced the deficit. A pivotal change by coach Dick Advocaat, replacing an injured Arjen Robben with Paul Bosvelt in the 59th minute, led to a Dutch slump, and the Czechs came back to win 3-2. This left the Netherlands' qualification for the quarter-finals uncertain. Germany drew their second match against Latvia, ensuring the Czech Republic's qualification after two games. Germany needed a win against the Czechs in their final match but, despite Michael Ballack's early goal, they lost. This gave the Netherlands a chance to advance if they defeated Latvia in Braga, which they did, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. The Netherlands faced Sweden in a closely contested match that went to penalties. Edwin van der Sar saved Swedish captain Olof Mellberg's sixth penalty, while earlier misses by Zlatan Ibrahimović and Phillip Cocu had raised tensions. The Netherlands won but then lost to Portugal in the semi-finals. Following the defeat, Dick Advocaat resigned as national coach.