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Football is a beautiful game. Every decision, be it a yellow card, a substitution or even an offside call is viewed with intent and excitement like no other. Despite the billions around the world who follow the sport, only a lucky few have actually played it. Having said that, one universal truth can be agreed. Good players were born to play the game. Special players were born to take their place in history.
Before the 1974 FIFA World Cup, one name resonated all over the football universe- Pele. His immaculate footwork and trademark Brazilian celebrations left the fans dazzled. However, since his retirement in 1971, they were indeed ready to be dazzled once again. Their prayers were answered. Thus, the 1974 FIFA World Cup was responsible for introducing the world to Johan Cruyff.
The Dutch were given a chance at glory in the 1974 World Cup final and a chance at redemption in the 1978 World Cup final. Needless to say that they squandered both opportunities. However, the 1974 World Cup final was the most iconic simply due to the fact that firstly it was the clash of the heavyweights and secondly, it sparked off a rivalry that remains very prominent till this day.
Prelude
The 1974 World Cup group stages had been well and truly dominated by the Dutch. Rinus Michel’s system of ”total football” had been mastered by the Dutch juggernaut and they were favorites from match one. In the middle of it all was Johan Cruyff. He was not a man, but a phenomenon, a rare bird, one who graces the universe with their presence once in a hundred years. Apart fro being the heart-beat of Rinus Michels’ team, Cruyff has etched his name in the history books alongside the great Pele and Maradona.
Having been drawn with Sweden, Bulgaria and Uruguay, the Dutch breezed past Uruguay and Bulgaria without losing a sweat. In the 0-0 draw against Sweden, the fans witnessed a piece of genius, a move that would be emulated for years to come- the Cruyff turn.
Having secured qualification to the second set of group stages, the Dutch juggernaut continued with the determination like never witnessed before. After trouncing Argentina and East Germany, the Dutch pulled off the upset of all upsets. Two unanswered goals from Johan Neeskens and Johan Cruyff, leaving the Brazilian side who boasted of the likes of Jairzinho, Rivelino and Vladomiro shell shocked.
Build-up to the final
The picturesque Olympaistadion was the venue for the 1974 FIFA World Cup final. With a whooping 75,000 expected to fill the stands, there was absolutely no doubt that history was there to be made.
Great moments are born from great opportunity. With the World Cup and all the glory that goes with it at stake, a historic spectacle awaited the football universe.
The West Germans and the Dutch, both had star studded teams to boast of. The Kaiser – Franz Beckenbauer led the line for the Germans, along with the legendary Sepp Maier and Gerd Muller. Apart from Cruyff, the Dutch had central midfielder Johan Neeskens and striker Johnny Rep, who was the top scorer in the competition. While fans expected a match of exciting proportions, the players prepared themselves for a collision of giants on the grass of the Olympiastadion.
The referee for the final was stocky Brit Jack Taylor. A butcher by occupation, the 7th of July 1974 was definitely meant to be the biggest day of his life.
Let the games begin!
The 1974 FIFA World Cup final did not start with the spirit of optimism. Referee Jack Taylor was forced to delay kick-off after the corner flags were uprooted. Things got from bad to worse for the Germans. Within a minute of kick-off, as he had done many a time in the tournament, made a run taking out German players one by one, only to be brought down by Uli Hoeneß. History was made as referee Jack Taylor became the first referee to award a penalty in the a World Cup final. Stepping up was Andre Neeskens, who calmly slotted the ball past Sepp Maier. A stunned silence engulfed the Olympiastadion, with a sense of shock evident on the 75,000 odd German faces present.
In a bid to provide the fans with some amount of relief, the Germans began trying to break down the Dutch. However, the German adrenalin rush yielded no results whatsoever.
In a case of lapse of concentration, the German attack found their way through the Dutch defence. The crowd went berserk as another piece of history was created. Paul Breitner converted a penalty that that brought the packed Olympaistadion alive, but that was not all.
Eighteen minutes later, the comeback was complete as Johan Cruyff and the Netherlands were left in tears. It was yet another case of lapse of concentration. A clinical finish from Gerd Muller ensured that West Germany triumphed in the ultimate clash of titans. At half time, a shell shocked Cruyff was shown a yellow card for arguing with referee Taylor. This incident proved to be the last nail in the coffin for the Dutch as they could not be inspired to influence a comeback. Despite Gerd Muller being adjudged the man of the match, the accurate marking of Franz Beckenbauer ensured that he was the clear hero of the day.
Franz Beckenbauer lifted the trophy for West Germany. However, in the post game interview, the Kaiser was candid enough to admit that Cruyff was the better player, but he won the World Cup.
The Aftermath
Franz Beckenbauer lifted the World Cup for west Germany, a feat that earned him the nickname Kaiser. By doing so, Germany went on to become the first nation to win the World Cup being the reigning European Champions, a feat later accomplished by Spain in 2010.
Following the heartbreak, Rinus Michels stepped down from the position of head coach and went on to manage Ajax and Barcelona. As for Johan Cruyff, his international career was unfortunately ended prematurely as his falling out with the KNVB proved to be the last straw. He still remains one of the greatest players never to win the World Cup, despite being the most decorated Dutch player ever. The Dutch had a shot for redemption in the 1978 World Cup final, but was once again squandered after they came up short against Argentina.
The 1974 World Cup winning goal proved to be Gerd Muller’s last goal for Germany, as he announced his retirement following the tournament. One can agree that it is arguably the most ideal way to sign off from international football.
As mentioned earlier, the 7th of July 1974 was the biggest day in the life of Jack Taylor. Despite being subjected to heavy criticism for the massive decisions made on the big stage, he became the first referee to be inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
Having met in 1945 prior to the 1974 World Cup final, a heated rivalry sparked off between the Dutch and Germany. This rivalry exists till this day.
Whether the Germans and the Dutch meet in the upcoming 2014 World Cup remains to be seen, but one thing that can be agreed is that it will most definitely be a spectacle.
