Why is the Netherlands called the Clockwork Orange and what is its meaning?

Throughout the history of football, several nicknames have emerged that remained in history. However, one of the most recognized is the one received by the European team.

The Netherlands is often nicknamed the Clockwork Orange since the 70s. This term has its purely soccer origin and is due to a team that marked the history of the sport. I know the details.

Why they call the Netherlands the Clockwork Orange: its meaning

Despite not having won any World Cup – they fell in three finals – the Netherlands National Team set fire to football thanks to a style who was born in the 1970s and who established himself in the grassroots of the sport, leaving forever the historic nickname of “a clockwork orange”.

In that squad, figures such as Wim Jansen, Johan Neeskens, Ruud Krol and Johan Cruyff stood out. The coach, Rinus Michels, managed to prepare the team for the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, he had an almost perfect gear that allowed him to remain in history despite not being champion.