World Cup History - On this day: Total football flaw

Eurosport - Wed, 07 Jul 09:30:00 2010

We continue our countdown of daily events in World Cup history with the final which saw Dutch 'total football' defeated by West Germany.

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July 7

World Cup

1974 - The World Cup final of 1974 pitted the 'total football' of the Netherlands, inspired by the exceptional talent of Johan Cruyff, against the Franz Beckenbauer-inspired West Germany at the Olympiastadion in Munich. Almost tragically, according to many fans, the enterprising Netherlands were edged out by a penalty from Paul Breitner and a further Gerd Mueller strike, and Cruyff's side were never to earn tangible recognition for their talents on the international stage.

1990 - How did England respond to going out on penalties to Germany in the World Cup semi-final in Turin? By losing to the hosts in Bari, is the answer. Third place play-offs are never fixtures which particularly stick in the mind, but this encounter did at least soften the blow of losing to Argentina on home turf for Italy. After a dire first half, Roberto Baggio opened the scoring in the 71st minute from Salvatore Schillaci's assist, before the provider turned scorer from the penalty spot five minutes after David Platt had levelled up from Tony Dorigo's pass. Still, at least there were no more penalties for Bobby Robson's side.

1998 - It was more misery for the Netherlands in 1998 as Guus Hiddink's side looked to at least emulate the Cruyff side of 1974 and reach the World Cup final in France, only for Brazil to stand in the way. Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 46th minute from Rivaldo's sweeping pass, before an equally young Patrick Kluivert levelled for the Dutch three minutes from time. The match went to penalties and, under the weight of pressure, Phillip Cocu and Ronald de Boer folded to send Mario Zagallo's side through to the final.

Also on this day

1865 – Four conspirators in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln are hanged.

1928 – Sliced bread is sold for the first time by the Chillicothe Baking Company.

1980 – Institution of sharia in Iran.

Eurosport

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  1. Surely Cruyff and co did earn tangible recognition for­ their talents on the international stage, otherwise­ people like you wouldn't still be talking about­ them now. Plus, what about the '78 final in­ Argentina - two finals, even though both were losses­ for them, was hardly total failure for total football.

    From Peter Inns, on Thu 8 Jul 1:00
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