The Dutch's first group match was orchestrated by Cruyff, who got things going with his skillful play against Uruguay on June 15th. The game ended in a 2-0 win. The South Americans took no prisoners and were well organised in defence, brutal to be honest. Rep scored two, Uruguay were reduced to 10 men after Castillo punched Rensenbrink in the stomach.
40 years after first playing in the World Cup, the Dutch won their first tournament game.
June 19th 1974 Westfalenstadion Dortmund: Holland v Sweden Score 0-0.
43 years ago
Four days later there was this disappointing 0-0 draw, despite the Dutch being inspired by Cruyff but his team mates could not score. It was not a game devoid of skill however.
Johann Cruyff sent Jan Olsson for a "hot dog" with a skill now known as the "Cruyff Turn". Johan, under the care of manager Rinus Michels, was a crucial part of the revolutionary "Dutch Total Football" system. It was 43 years ago and their brand of football was very much a pleasant shock to the system. The Dutch side was made from a squad of players who apparently could play anywhere on the pitch (probably not the goalkeeper).
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On June 23rd, Johan's team beat the Bulgarians 4-1 with Neeskens 2, Rep and de Jong scoring, coming top of the group.
They then went on to play in another group set up with their gears well oiled. Here they beat Argentina 4-0, with Cruyff scoring two and making one and then beat East Germany 2-0 and lastly Brazil by the same score.
Inevitably they became favourites to win it overall. They met West Germany in the Final on July 7th in Munich. This was the final with no corner flags, noticed by English referee Jack Taylor.
A minute later Taylor awarded the Dutch a penalty when Cruyff was brought down by Hoeness, with no German touching the ball; Neeskens scored. Remember this was in Germany! Brave Jack. Breitner equalised with another penalty after 25 minutes.
The "fox in the box" Muller scored before half time, making a tally of 14 in the tournament, beating France's Juste Fontaine's record. It was Muller's last international match.
There was no further goal and the Final became known as the first Final to have no goal scored in the second half.
Wolfgang Overpath collected his third WCup medal, gaining one of each; A winners, runners up and third placed. The (West) Germans had last won the World Cup in 1954.
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