EK 96, Guus Hiddink’s dress-rehearsal

Davids: “Is De Boer’s arse really that wide?”

After Hollands WC1994 disappointment (only Advocaat was happy), Guus took over. He wasn’t Golden Gus or God back then. He had to prove himself, and although he would shine in 1998, 2002 and 2006 this was not his finest hour.

He inherited the friction between the white and black boys from Amsterdam. The so-called kabel (Kluivert, Bogarde, Reiziger, Davids, Seedorf) wanted respect. Assistant Rijkaard did what he could but Hiddink couldn’t get this team to swing it’s way into the semi finals.

10 juni 1996 Oranje – Scotland 0 – 0

Without the injured Frank de Boer and the suspended Danny Blind Oranje started the EC in Birmingham with Edgar Davids and Johan de Kock as central duo. Oranje expected Scotland to be an ideal starting opponent, to play themselves nicely into the tournament, but the Scots didn’t budge: 0-0. Oranje did dominate and Seedorf and Bergkamp had chances to score in the first half. In the second half, winger Jordy Cruyff was fouled in the box (without repercussions) and Seedorf had another late opportunity but forgot to deliver. Sub Aron Winters’ header was cleared from the line and another youngster – Patrick Kluivert – got a chance replacing Gaston Taument but it wasn’t to be.

13 juni 1996 Oranje – Switzerland 2 – 0

Oranje’s second game needed to be won. Manager Hiddink sacrificed Davids, De Kock and Taument for Blind, Aron Winter and Peter Hoekstra. Clarence Seedorf is subbed after 26 minutes, right after he escaped receiving a second yellow. The Swiss would get the first chance of the match, when Reiziger passed back on Sar who couldn’t control the ball, which narrowly missed Oranje’s goal.
The Seedorf/De Kock exchange worked out well. Blind could move into midfield more often and claimed domination. After an hour of play, it was Jordi Cruyff who scored after a deflected corner. His first goal for Oranje. With that score line the Swiss took more risks and a long kick by Sar ended up in Bergkamp’s stride who scored the 2-0. Oranje was happy and relieved. After this match, Edgar Davids couldn’t control himself and made the infamous remark: “Hiddink should remove his head from Frank de Boer and Danny Blind’s out of his arses!”.

14 juni 1996 Edgar Davids removed from squad

This was Davids’ last day at the EC. Hiddink and Davids had a personal talk after the pitbull’s remarks, but he refused to take it back.

18 juni 1996 Holland – England 1 – 4
Oranje had to qualify for the quarter-finals. But Oranje was totally played off the pitch by the English and after 60 minutes of play the score was 0-4. Scotland was up against Switzerland and Oranje was virtually out. After 7 minutes of play Rob Witschge had to clear a Shearer shot off the line. 15 Minutes later Blind caused a penalty, tripping Paul Ince. Shearer converted 0-1. Dennis Bergkamp missed a chance, Seedorf had a good shooting opportunity but Oranje missed spice and effectivity. Sheringham scored twice and Shearer scored the fourth English goal. Kluivert came onto the pitch and he scored a late goal from a difficult angle, allowing Oranje to move onto the next stages. The Scots only scored once against Switzerland and the goal difference was in Holland’s favour.

22 juni 1996 Holland – France 0 – 0

Was it smart to allow Seedorf to take a penalty? Clarence Seedorf is ambitious and was keen to show the world he was a big player. Seedorf was benched against the French, like Aron Winter and Peter Hoekstra. Phillip Cocu finally got his starting position, as did Johan de Kock and Patrick Kluivert, the man whose goal got Oranje here in the first place.
The French played like cowards. Holland wasn’t doing too well this tournament and the French, with their qualities on board, could have crushed Oranje. But they decided to allow the initiative to the Dutch. Kluivert didn’t have a lot of luck, and Ronald de Boer and Dennis Bergkamp missed some obvious opportunities. Cocu hits the outside of the post and Desailly handled the ball with his hands in the box but the ref didn’t spot it.
Sub Seedorf had the biggest opportunity of the game but missed abysmally. Penalty kicks. Zidane, Djorkaeff, Lizarazu, Guerin and Blanc score. For Oranje Blind, De Kock, De Boer and Kluivert score, but Seedorf misses his. France moves on to play the Czechs in the semis.

Danny Blind quits his international career and it would take almost two years for Davids to return. From all angles, a disappointing tournament for Oranje.

This is a horrible clip. Quality wise and content wise. It’s the only YouTube clip with Oranje at the EC 1996. Guess who we played? This belongs in the hall of shame…