Too many were good before this year's European nations, but they struggled to make the top four and were eventually knocked out by England, once again becoming the 'sad team' of the international competition. Since winning the European Championship in 1988, Holland have finished in the top four four four times but have failed to progress. Team leader Ronald Gauvin said the team is still young and the future is still bright.
Holland has always produced many superstars, but the international game has been lucky. The world reached the final three times and lost. European countries are much better. Although he won the title in 1988, he did not go farther than the four times he reached the semi-finals with this year in 1992, 2000 and 2004.
In Holland, there are two under-21 players, Shavi Simmons and Warbogen, who have been officially selected. There are also talents such as Shelley Mae Fillingbom, Yundi Yun and Ian Mattson. Ronald Gowan said after the game, "I'm disappointed with the finish, but I'm confident for the future. The team can play better with more players coming in. I've built a close team and came very close to the final. I'm proud of that."
