An estimated 100,000 orange-clad supporters had gathered at Amsterdam's Museum Square to watch Spain score four minutes from the end of extra time. After the final whistle, some burst into tears, others looked up at the starless night in disbelief or kicked against security fences.

The crowd then dispersed quickly and quietly. Many of them will return in better spirits on Tuesday, to give the Dutch team a warm public welcome after what's been another great achievement for Dutch football.

Among pundits and punters alike, there was general acknowledgment that the Netherlands had lost to a better team. Also that the Dutch could have won the World Cup nevertheless, if only Arjen Robben had managed to flick the ball past goalkeeper Íker Casillas in two one-on-one encounters. And if only English ref Howard Webb had spotted a foul against the Dutch and a deflection in the lead-up to the Spanish goal.

Frustration levels reached boiling point in several other cities in the Netherlands. Some minor disturbances were reported from Utrecht, Deventer, Apeldoorn and Zwolle, where police made several arrests. Around 40 people were arrested after more serious riots in The Hague, but overall the night passed off without major incidents.