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World Cup wonder goals: Arie’s Oranje bolt

We count down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showing a wonder goal each day. Today’s shows the Netherlands’ Arie Haan scoring from way out at Argentina 1978.

81 days to go...

We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.

Arie Haan

Netherlands v Italy
Argentina 1978 | Second group stage
El Monumental, Buenos Aires

Arie Haan of the Netherlands at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to watch the third-place play-off of the 1978 FIFA World Cup Argentina between Brazil and Italy Der Holländer Arie Haan zuversichtlich vor dem Spiel

The Netherlands netted 15 goals at Germany 1974, but only one came from outside the box – and that, courtesy of Ruud Krol, by just two yards. “[Rinus] Michels urged us to shoot from distance,” said Arie Haan of his coach’s order heading into Argentina 1978.

The men in orange duly obliged, scoring four times from outside the penalty area. Haan grabbed two of them. His first was from 35 yards past Sepp Maier. His second was from a similar distance – and even better – past Dino Zoff.

“What I most wanted was to become a world champion,” reflected Haan. “But it’s also every player’s dream to score in a World Cup. I scored twice from way out, against two great goalkeepers, so of course that makes me proud.”