Netherlands Suffer Another Penalty Heartbreak: Spain Inflict Seventh Shootout Defeat

The Netherlands’ dismal penalty shootout history continued after their recent UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Spain on Sunday.

Spain triumphed 5-4 in the shootout following a dramatic 3-3 stalemate in regular and extra time. After Noa Lang and Lamine Yamal struggled to find the net, Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen missed his chance in sudden death, allowing Pedri to seal the win for Spain.

This loss marks the Netherlands’ third consecutive defeat in penalty shootouts, adding to their earlier losses to Argentina in the 2022 and 2014 World Cups. Overall, they have now lost seven out of nine shootouts.

The last time the Dutch emerged victorious in a shootout was during the 2014 World Cup, where they defeated Costa Rica 4-3, thanks to two pivotal saves from substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul. A decade before that memorable win, the Netherlands secured their first and only other shootout victory against Sweden in the 2004 EUROs, aided by a missed penalty from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a crucial save by Edwin van der Sar.

The ‘Oranje’ have had a rocky start to their shootout history, initially losing four in a row. Denmark defeated them in the EURO 1992 tournament, followed by losses to France (EURO 1996), Brazil (1998 World Cup), and Italy (EURO 2000) in subsequent shootouts.

On the other hand, Spain secured their eighth victory in penalty shootouts out of 14 attempts. ‘La Roja’ faced elimination from EURO 2020 and the 2022 World Cup when they were ousted by Italy and Morocco in penalty shootouts, respectively.