The Golden Generation: Remembering the Netherlands’ 1988 European Championship Win
1988 was an unforgettable year in the world of football. Argentina had just concluded a thrilling Cup final, Netherlands was gearing up for the largest sporting event – the European football championship, where the Oranges would go to battle against titans of world football. May 30 marked the day their dreams came into reality, courtesy of a glorious victory over neighbors West Germany (2-2, 12-11 SO) in Turin, where the Netherlands proudly lifted the biggest trophy in all of football-dom, the Europeans Cup.
After the 88 tournament, in which the mighty West Germany seemed destined to leave the Netherlands further behind, few would have foresworn the "Golden Generation” – a selection of talented national team players boasting exceptional skills not only on behalf of their county but also each one’s impressive clubs. Such players as Arnaut, Hendriks, Bergkamps, Righetti, Stoeger, Spelbos Krol, Dicks, Wilkins,, Van Bastens, and.