1974, 1978, 2010: three times the bridesmaid, never the bride. No nation has reached as many World Cup finals as the Dutch without ever winning the trophy.
England fans may feel that fate has treated them a little harshly in the World Cup over the years but spare a thought for the Oranje. At least the English have had their hour in the sun (well, two hours to be precise). Those poor souls are still waiting. Many consider that the Netherlands best chance of lifting the trophy came in 1974, when they took the lead in the final against West Germany after only two minutes but then somehow conspired to throw it all away.