Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Netherlands, Football World Cup
Daniel Marland
Football fans have realised why the Netherlands national team wear an orange shirt despite the colour not featuring on the country's flag.
On the international stage, fewer teams are as iconic as the Netherlands. Since 1905, they've wowed the world with a stunning brand of football.
Ronald Koeman's side were defeated 3-2 by Italy on Sunday in the Nations League 3rd place play-off thanks to goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Federico Chiesa.
The Netherlands were decked out in their famous 'laser orange' effort in the defeat at the weekend and is a staple of their home kit.
The flag of the Netherlands is red, white and blue, but have you ever stopped to wonder why the shirts they wear are orange?
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Well, we've got the answer.
The Netherlands' kit and crest is orange because it's the colour of the House of Orange-Nassau - the Dutch royal family.
'Prince of Orange' is seen as a compliment in the country. They aren't the only sports team to wear orange.
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The Netherlands' hockey and rugby do so too, while the football team's nickname is 'Oranje'.
Media outlets in the country have referred to the team as the 'Clockwork Orange'.
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Dutch manager Ronald Koeman blamed himself for the loss to Italy on Sunday.
He told reporters: "Despite the defeat against Croatia, there were many leads, but then you play such a first half. It was lame. I blame myself because that’s the worst thing I think a team can lack.”