2010 – World Cup Final
Prior to this game, the Netherlands and Spain had never met each other in the main tournament stages of either a World Cup or a European Championship, the two major tournaments for European international teams. The teams had met nine times previously since 1920, winning four games each and drawing once. The match had the most yellow cards awarded in a World Cup final. Fourteen yellow cards were awarded and John Heitinga of the Netherlands was sent off for a second yellow. One yellow card was for Nigel de Jong’s studs-up kick to the chest of Xabi Alonso during the first half.
Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0, after an extra time goal by Andrés Iniesta. The win gave Spain its first World Cup title.
Final Score: Spain 1 – 0 Netherlands (Iniesta 116′)
2002 – Friendly
Netherlands hosted Spain at the Stadion Feijenoord, more commonly known by its nickname De Kuip in a friendly in March 2002. The Dutch side, managed by Dick Advocaat won through a first half headed goal by current Eredivisie club Ajax manager Frank de Boer. The Spanish side was at that time coached by José Antonio Camacho.
Final Score: Spain 0 – 1 Netherlands (Frank de Boer 32′)
2000 – Friendly
In November 2000, Spain and Netherlands faced each other in a friendly held at the Estadio de La Cartuja, located in Sevilla. The Dutch side was then coached by current coach Louis van Gaal, who lasted at the post just one year during his first stint. Although Spain’s Fernando Hierro broke the deadlock halfway through the 2nd half, Netherlands fought back with two goals in the space of 10 mins, scored by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Frank de Boer, thus sealing the friendly win.
Final Score: Spain 1 – 2 Netherlands (Hierro 67′, Hasselbaink 74′, de Boer 85′)