KEIR RADNEDGE COMMENTARY —-: Johan Neeskens, the Dutch midfielder who wrote an indelible page in World Cup history in 1974, has died at the age of 73.

In nine World Cups over 44 years no referee had ever awarded a penalty in the final. Then, two minutes into the 1974 final in Munich, English referee Jack Taylor changed all that and Neeskens shot Netherlands ahead against their West German hosts. It was one of seven successful penalties among his 17 goals for his country between 1970 and 1981.

Ultimately, however, midfielder Neeskens and his team-mates would ultimately lose 2-1 and he was on the losing side again four years later against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Johan Neeskens beats Sepp Maier from the penalty spot in the 1974 World Cup Final

Those defeats, however, cannot tarnish the legacy of a player who was a leader of the Dutch ‘total football’ movement and provided the midfield steel which provided an essential complement to the skills of Johan Cruyff.

Neeskens played 49 times for Netherlands and won the European Champions Cup three times in a row with Ajax between 1971 and 1973. Together they also won the World Club Cup, European Super Cup twice and two Dutch leagues and cups , before following Cruyff and coach Rinus Michels to Barcelona. His five years brought success in the Spanish cup and European Cup-winners Cup. Catalan fans called him Johan Segundo, Johan the Second.

After retiring, Neeskens was variously an assistant coach to the national team under Guus Hiddink and Frank Rijkaard between 1995 and 2004. Neeskens was also head coach at NEC Nijmegen. He was take ill initially while attended a KNVB WorldCoaches course in Algeria.

‘Iconic penalties’

The Dutch KNVB, in a statement, said: “His name is forever linked to European successes with clubs like Ajax and Barcelona and two World Cup finals for the Dutch national team. With his characteristic tackles, sublime insights and iconic penalties, [he] will forever remain one of the most prominent and beloved players to ever play for our country.

On the field as a player and later off the field as a coach, Neeskens was known for his tenacity. But those who had the good fortune to get to know him better also saw a global citizen and a gentle family man who was proud of his children and grandchildren and who, until the very end, touched others with his love for football.

“The KNVB wishes his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca, and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and LovĂ©e, and his family and friends a lot of strength in bearing this great loss.”

** Johannes Jacobus ‘Johan’ Neeskens born September 15, died October 6, 2024.

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