#4 George Best predicts his own nutmeg
Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Johan Cruyff who played for Ajax and Barcelona in a glittering career had to face a very embarrassing moment in front of the world when he was nutmegged by George Best during an international between Holland and Northern Ireland in 1976.
Ahead of the game at Rotterdam's De Kuip stadium, Best had been in conversation with journalist Bill Elliot when Cruyff's name cropped up. When asked if he believed Cruyff was a better player, Best scoffed and replied: "You're kidding, aren't you? I'll tell you what I'll do tonight. I'll nutmeg Cruyff, the first chance I get."
The world saw the wild prophecy made by Best come true five minutes into the game as the veteran United player dipped his shoulder twice before slipping it between Cruyff's feet. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Chris McGrath and Derek Spence scoring the Northern Ireland goals.
One of the ultimate footballers of the modern era, Cruyff was a leading player of the Dutch squad who captained Holland in the 1974 World Cup, leading them to the final where they lost 2-1 to West Germany.
Jimmy Nicholl, who played in the game, later recalled: "I remember standing back and watching him, nutmegging Cruyff and, it gave you a lift. "You felt: right here is one of the best players in the world, if not the best, playing for us.Go on then, we deserve to be here."
