An extra day off meant the Dutch players could celebrate with their partners before getting back to prepare for the final.
Victory for the Netherlands in Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Latvia would have been seen as practically guaranteed after a successful World Cup in Brazil but a faltering qualifying campaign has precipitated a confidence crisis.
Tracking the key moves this week in the European transfer market
Images from the US Open men's singles first round matches, at Flushing Meadows, New York, on Tuesday.
The Dutch have good reason to give Japan plenty of respect before their Group E match on Saturday and not just because of the Blue Samurai's surprise victory over Cameroon in their World Cup opener.
Traditional Dutch frailty in penalty shootouts again proved their Achilles heel when they lost 4-2 on spot-kicks to Argentina after a goalless World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Two persons, including a 21-year-old man who assaulted a policeman on duty at Red Fort with a spear on January 26, has been arrested in connection with the violence at the historic monument, police said on Wednesday.
Red Bull make changes to car after discussions with FIA
Former Dutch boxing champion Rudi Lubbers, who lost to Muhammad Ali on points in a 12-round heavyweight fight in Jakarta four and a half decades ago, is back on his feet again.
'The General', who invented the concept of 'total football', led The Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final.
Uncapped Dutch defender Alexander Buttner completed his move from Vitesse Arnhem to Manchester United on Tuesday, signing a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
Harmanpreet Singh's goal from a penalty stroke just a minute from the hooter gave India victory over New Zealand in the men's hockey tournament atthe Olympics on Saturday.
Meyer, who is chairman of the Medical Committee at European soccer's governing body, said on Wednesday that provided the right steps were taken, the game could plan a resumption of the current season.
While the tournament saw the emergence of young stars, the usual suspects, the big names flattered to deceive.
An Israeli international with Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem has been refused permission to attend a training camp in the United Arab Emirates, the club said on Monday.
Robin van Persie returns to the Dutch attack to face Mexico in the second round of the World Cup on Sunday while Mexican defender Hector Moreno will lock horns with his former mentor Louis van Gaal.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Johan Cruyff, the legendary Dutch soccer striker and coach, died aged 68, according to a message posted on his website.
'When the bombing happened in the Taj Mahal hotel in 2008, that was a very sad moment, but he really took care of the people, took care of everybody and that was when you saw some of his best moments.' 'There are some things which we will never forget. That is when the best of a person comes out.'
Serena Williams shook off some COVID-19 layoff rust to grind out a 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(0) win over Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus on Monday to move into the third round of the Western and Southern Open.
Denmark survived a sustained assault by Netherlands to emerge with a 1-0 victory in their opening Euro 2012 Group B game on Saturday thanks to a first-half goal by Michael Krohn-Dehli and some poor Dutch finishing.
With eight teams left in the tournament the numbers around Euro 2024 are becoming clearer, with Spain, England and France all considered likely winners and a race for top scorer that is still very tight.
Penalty-corner ace Taeke Taekema scored twice as The Netherlands beat New Zealand 5-2 in the opening match of the tournament.
Olympic silver medallist Belgium created history by making their maiden appearance in the men's hockey World Cup summit clash, thrashing England 6-0 in a lopsided first semi-final.
The Netherlands have plenty of marquee names in their Euro 2012 squad but they do not have an enforcer in the mould of Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Newcastle United completed the signing of Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Vurnon Anita on Thursday with the Dutch international hopeful his new club can end their 43-year trophyless spell.
The Indian men's hockey team beat Ireland despite a few defense lapses to more or less secure its passage into the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics.
Netherlands striker Robin van Persie pulled out of the Dutch squad preparing to play Macedonia in a World Cup Group Nine qualifier on Wednesday.
Nearly two thirds of Dutch fans believe their team will beat Sweden on Saturday and the country is now offering its full support to coach Dick Advocaat.
The defenders signed contracts on Tuesday from Bayern Munich making United their third team together, and they could both feature in the squad's season opener on Friday against Fulham at Old Trafford.
When Netherlands striker Robin van Persie put away a spectacular diving header against world champions Spain on a balmy afternoon at last year's World Cup it set them on the way to a 5-1 win and the promise of glory.
Croatian forward Ante Budimir scored twice to help Osasuna earn a shock 4-2 home win over leaders Barcelona.
IMAGES from the Euro 2024 qualifiers played on Tuesday.
Feyenoord won the Dutch Cup on Sunday when first-half goals by Denny Landzaat and Jonathan de Guzman secured a 2-0 victory over Roda JC Kerkrade. Landzaat netted a Luigi Bruins cross from close range after eight minutes before De Guzman doubled the lead in the 36th minute following a neat one-two with Michael Mols.
Dutch winger Arjen Robben will miss Netherlands' opening Euro 2008 Group C match with Italy on Monday after picking up a groin injury during Saturday's training, the Dutch FA (KNVB) said.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen equalled Ayrton Senna's record of eight pole positions in a row.
The Dutch host North Macedonia on Monday safe in the knowledge they have already secured a place in the last 16.
'What's sad today is that there are so many people who cannot find work, not because the country is devoid of that opportunity, but because we are not doing enough in the country.'
Ariarne Titmus got Australia's women off to a golden start by winning a race of record breakers on a rocking opening night of the Paris Olympic swimming meet at the La Defense Arena on Saturday.
Top Indian doubles player Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden continued their dream run to advance into the Wimbledon semi-final.
