Netherlands Equals Brazil's Historic Record and Approaches Unprecedented World Cup Achievement

The Netherlands national team continued to make history in the World Cup by extending its unbeaten streak in the tournament to 13 matches, excluding penalty shootouts, following a 2-2 draw against Japan. This achievement matches the historical record set by the Brazil national team between 1958 and 1966.

The last loss for the Dutch in the World Cup dates back to the final of the 2010 South Africa edition, when Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal for Spain in extra time.

Since that match, the "Clockwork Orange" team has not suffered any defeat in the World Cup, reaching the semifinals of the 2014 tournament and being eliminated by Argentina in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw, before defeating Brazil 3-0 in the third-place match.

The Dutch national team missed the 2018 Russia edition after failing to qualify, but their streak continued in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. They advanced past the group stage and eliminated the United States in the Round of 16, but then exited the tournament against Argentina in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.

The record of 13 matches without a loss was held solely by Brazil during the period between the 1958 and 1966 World Cups, which saw the "Seleção" win the titles in 1958 and 1962.

The Netherlands has now become a partner with Brazil in this achievement, with the opportunity to hold the record alone if they succeed in avoiding a loss in their upcoming match.