Netherlands national football team results (1905–1919)

The Netherlands national football team played its first official international match in 1905. This article details the results of the team from its inaugural year through 1919, a period which saw the early development of Dutch football and the team's participation in several Olympic Games.

Key Highlights of the Period:

• Early Development: The period saw the establishment of a national team and the development of tactical approaches. Early matches were often against neighboring countries like Belgium, and England Amateurs.
• Olympic Participation: The Netherlands participated in the 1908 London Olympics, winning the bronze medal. They also competed in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, again securing a bronze medal. These early Olympic tournaments were important platforms for the team's growth and international exposure.
• Hugo de Vries Selection Committee: The selection of players was often managed by a committee, notably including Hugo de Vries, a botanist of renown, early on. Player selection during this period was often based on regional performance and individual reputation, as opposed to a standardized national league structure that would come later.
• Matches and Opponents: The Netherlands predominantly played friendlies and Olympic tournament matches during this time. Frequent opponents included Belgium, England Amateurs, and other European nations.
• Player Base: The team drew its players from various clubs within the Netherlands, including clubs like HVV Den Haag, Sparta Rotterdam, and Ajax Amsterdam.
• Interruption by World War I: The outbreak of World War I in 1914 significantly impacted international football, leading to a reduction in the number of matches played. Despite neutrality, the Netherlands faced challenges in arranging fixtures.
• Key Players: Prominent players of this era included figures like Jan Thomée, Edu Snethlage, and Dé Kessler, who were instrumental in the team's early successes.

Summary of Results:

A detailed list of match results, including dates, scores, and opponents, can be compiled from various football historical archives. Due to limitations in historical record availability and standardization, discrepancies may exist across different sources. However, key details such as Olympic tournament results and major international friendlies can be reliably documented. The available data highlights the consistent presence and competitive spirit of the Dutch national team in the early years of international football.