Netherlands 1974-78

Netherlands 1974 Final

Coach: Rinus Michels / Ernst Happel
Achievements: World Cup Finalists 1974, 1978
Key Players: Cruyff, Neeskens, Rensenbrink, van Hanegem, Krol, Haan, Suurbier, Rep
Star Player: Cruyff
Formation: 4-3-3

Michels took his revolutionary Total Football style of play from Ajax to the national team, picking many of the same players too - including the imperious Johann Cruyff, his conductor on the pitch. The system was all about movement, support and changing positions but this did occur within a structure (approximated in the diagram on the left). Probably the greatest team never to win the World Cup; they lost twice, to West Germany in 1974 and, without Cruyff but still brilliant, to Argentina in 1978. Nevertheless they will always be remembered for their style of play and their contribution to two of the game's most loved finals.

Netherlands 1974

Netherlands 1978 Final

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