2000 Netherlands Home – Patrick Kluivert #9

The year 2000 was a defining moment for the Netherlands national team, as they co-hosted UEFA Euro 2000 alongside Belgium.

• Group Stage:

  • Netherlands 1–0 Czech Republic (Frank de Boer penalty).

  • Netherlands 3–0 Denmark (Kluivert scored once).

  • Netherlands 3–2 France (the reigning world champions).

  • The Dutch topped Group D with a perfect record of 9 points.

• Quarterfinals: Defeated Yugoslavia 6–1, with Patrick Kluivert scoring a hat-trick (and an own goal from Goran Đorović).

• Semifinals: Faced Italy in Amsterdam. Despite dominating, the Netherlands missed two penalties in normal time (Frank de Boer and Patrick Kluivert) and lost in a shootout (3–1 on penalties) after a 0–0 draw.

• Result: Netherlands reached the semifinals, but the missed opportunities remain one of the biggest “what ifs” in Dutch football history.

• Kit: The 2000 Netherlands home jersey, produced by Nike, was a clean, classic all-orange kit with black trim. It’s iconic for its simplicity and association with one of the most talented Dutch teams in history.

2. Player’s Impact – Patrick Kluivert (Euro 2000)

Patrick Kluivert, then at Barcelona, was the Netherlands’ star striker at Euro 2000 and one of the top forwards in the world.

• Statistics:

  • 5 goals in 5 matches, winning the Golden Boot (shared with Savo Milošević of Yugoslavia).

• Key Performances:

  • Scored against Denmark in the group stage.

  • Scored a hat-trick in the 6–1 demolition of Yugoslavia in the quarterfinal.

  • Missed a crucial penalty in the semifinal vs. Italy, though he later scored in the shootout.

• Role: As the focal point of the Dutch attack, Kluivert combined clinical finishing with technical ability, supported by creative talents like Bergkamp, Overmars, and Seedorf.

• Legacy: Euro 2000 was arguably the peak of Kluivert’s international career. Despite the heartbreak of the semifinal, his performances remain legendary in Dutch football.

3. Full Squad List – Netherlands Euro 2000

Manager: Frank Rijkaard

Goalkeepers:

• Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United)

• Sander Westerveld (Liverpool)

• Ronald Waterreus (PSV Eindhoven)

Defenders:

• Frank de Boer (Barcelona, Captain)

• Jaap Stam (Manchester United)

• Michael Reiziger (Barcelona)

• Arthur Numan (Rangers)

• Boudewijn Zenden (Barcelona)

• Paul Bosvelt (Feyenoord)

• André Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven)

Midfielders:

• Edgar Davids (Juventus)

• Clarence Seedorf (Inter Milan)

• Phillip Cocu (Barcelona)

• Ronald de Boer (Barcelona)

• Paul Bosvelt (Feyenoord)

• Mark van Bommel (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards:

• Patrick Kluivert (Barcelona)

• Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal)

• Marc Overmars (Arsenal)

• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Atlético Madrid)

• Pierre van Hooijdonk (Vitesse Arnhem)

• Boudewijn Zenden (Barcelona, also used as winger)