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| Johan Cruyff' |
Although the Netherlands ultimately did not win the 1974 World Cup, pundits consistently agree that the Dutch team was the more skillful and entertaining side—a reality entirely dependent on the mesmerizing presence of Johan Cruyff. He was the revolutionary pulse of 'Total Football.'
If you could pinpoint a single highlight that defines his mastery, it would be the iconic 'Cruyff Turn' executed during the 1974 tournament.
In a flash of audacity against Sweden, Cruyff faked a forward kick, but instead scooped the ball backward.
This allowed him to turn sharply on the spot and sprint off in the opposite direction, leaving Sweden’s defender Jan Olsson utterly dumbfounded. The move instantly became footballing legend.
Cruyff's magic was equally impactful in the final. Just seconds into the match, he was the architect of drama: orchestrating the team's initial move and demonstrating his absolute command by drawing a foul that resulted in a second-minute penalty—a demonstration of his unrivaled ability to influence a game without even touching the ball.
It is a profound shame that such a brilliant international career was cut short when he retired from the national team in 1977, reportedly due to the tragic fear of kidnap ahead of the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Regardless, his place as the pioneering maestro of Total Football is secured forever.
A movie was made about cruyff
https://mubi.com/en/nl/films/johan-cruyff-at-a-given-moment
More Info:
https://worldsoccernewss.blogspot.com/2022/10/1971-european-cup-final-ajax.html
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