Oranje fails again from the spot: "Painful for the entire country"

2014, 2022, and 2026.

The last three World Cup appearances for "Oranje" all ended in the same way: with a defeat in a penalty shootout.

In 2014, the Netherlands lost to eventual finalists Argentina in the semi-finals, 2-4 in a penalty shootout.

After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Elftal once again met their match in Argentina in 2022. The eventual world champions prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw following extra time.

Hat-trick completed in 2026

This year too, Ronald Koeman's squad exits after a penalty shootout, this time in the round of 16 against Morocco.

"We trained so much for this. Unfortunately, we still got eliminated," said Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk to "NOS" after the penalty exit.

"These are the worst moments for a footballer," the captain expressed his disappointment.

The captain did not take responsibility

Incidentally, Van Dijk himself did not step up to the spot, which might be because he failed as the first taker against Martinez in 2022 against Argentina.

After Teun Koopmeiners put the Europeans ahead, Justin Kluivert (left post), Quinten Timber (wide of the goal), and Crysencio Summerville (denied by Bounou) all missed, sealing the Elftal's exit.

Jan Paul van Hecke, another central defender, also expressed his disappointment: "We fought hard and gave everything. It was a very intense match. We tried everything, but that doesn't matter anymore now. It is so painful for the country and the team."