That was the accolade they picked up in 1974, when a side packed with talent, including Johan Cryuff and Liam Neeskens, went down 2-1 to West Germany in the final. Four years later, they were again finalists, losing 3-1 to hosts Argentina in extra-time.

The Dutch failed to make the grade in 1982 and 1986 and have disappointed in World Cups since, although they were European Champions in 1988.

The days of the AC Milan trio Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard may be over -- and few are tipping the Dutch to win in France -- but there is a renewed sense that they may have the wherewithal to go far this summer.

The Netherlands sailed through the qualifying rounds, won two friendlies since and have some truly talented players.

In goal, Edwin van der Sar is among the world's best. In defence, Frank de Boer is a solid tackler and free-kick specialist in theRonald Koeman mould, while Jaap Stam, the overwhelming winner of Dutch Player of the Year, is advancing in leaps and bounds. His recent $ 16.7 million move to Manchester United for a world record defender's fee is proof of his class.

In mid-field, Clarence Seedorf's strength and Marc Overmars' speed complement each other, while up front Patrick Kluivert is a world-class goal scorer gradually regaining his touch after a difficult season with AC Milan. But the real star is striker Dennis Bergkamp. If he can translate his brilliant club form with Arsenal onto the biggest stage of all, the Dutch could prove world-beaters.

His goals have taken Arsenal to the brink of the English league title but a pulled hamstring threatens his end-of-season participation and the Dutch will hope he recovers fully for France.

On a personal note, Bergkamp needs only two more goals to equal Faas Wilkes' Dutch record of 35 after his seven in The Netherlands' eight qualifying matches.

But for all the undoubted talent in theside, the traditional weaknesses of lack of resilience and internal strife are never far from the surface.

Early this year, Ajax's Danish coach Morten Olsen said the Dutch lacked the `over my dead body' attitude to mount a serious challenge this summer, adding that Dutch players often found the going tough when they were closed down.

Recently, Cruyff added himself to the list of skeptics, saying there was no question the current Dutch squad members were talented, but they were short on mental toughness.

One factor is the lack of a true leader. The captaincy, likely to be held by de Boer, is a slightly arbitrary distinction, while the Dutch penchant for excessive deliberation can mute their motivation.

At the back, there is little doubting the commitment of de Boer and Stam, but in the mid-field tackling back is for some an optional extra and heads can sag when the team goes behind. The Dutch do have in Juventus' Edgar Davids a dogged mid-fielder whose toughness is beyond question. Nicknamed `Pitbull'for his aggressive temperament, he would be an asset at the centre of the Dutch mid-field, but his selection would be a difficult one for coach Guus Hiddink to stomach.

Davids' comments about Hiddink during Euro '96 in England led to him being sent home in disgrace and the two have not spoken since.

The David's affair exposed the Netherlands' other frailty -- their capacity for self-destruction. It was previously seen in USA '94 when Gullit marched out of the squad just weeks before the tournament.

Last October, rumours again surfaced about racial tensions in the squad. The players and Hiddink attempted to paper over the cracks, but many found their reassurances unconvincing.

Since then, the Dutch have made, what in hindsight, could prove a very wise move -- appointing Rijkaard to the technical staff. Rijkaard was no mean footballer, with AC Milan and the national team, and is expected to add much to the tactical side, but as the first Surinamer on the coaching staff, his key role could beteam-building.

Unity could make all the difference and the Dutch could build confidence with good performances during their first round group matches against Belgium, Mexico and South Korea.

They are likely to face Yugoslavia or old rivals Germany in the second round. Victory there could mean they can overcome anyone -- perhaps most importantly exorcise the ghosts of the past.