After just two minutes of play, Neeskens converted a penalty kick to score the game’s first goal against West Germany in the 1974 World Cup final. In the absence of Cruyff, who had left international football in 1977, Neeskens was an important player for the Netherlands four years later (despite a rib injury sustained in the loss to Scotland).
Dutch football manager and former player Johannes Jacobus Neeskens were born on September 15, 1951. He is regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time and played a vital role for the Netherlands national team in their finishes as runners-up in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups. He was recognized as one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers in 2004 at a FIFA Awards Ceremony and in 2017 he was ranked number 64 on the Four Four Two list of the 100 All-Time Greatest Players.
1974 World Cup Final Between Germany and the Netherlands
Everyone was interested in watching the encounter between West Germany and the Netherlands, two of the most renowned Total Football players facing off in the 1974 Munich championship final. From the very first kick-off, the Netherlands had Germany exhausted. Cruyff started a deliberate and bold run deep inside Germany’s end following an unbelievable first minute in which the Germans didn’t even touch the ball.
Berti Vogts was knocked to the ground inside the penalty area after Cruyff left him for dead. After barely two minutes, the Netherlands had a 1-0 lead thanks to Johan Neeskens’ successful subsequent penalty kick. The Dutch mocked the Germans for the following 20 minutes with their smooth passes and impolite possession, forcing them to chase the ball in vain. Cruyff and his allies made it abundantly obvious that beating the Germans wasn’t enough; they also desired to degrade them.
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To its credit, Germany kept fighting and, under the leadership of Franz Beckenbauer, forced the Netherlands to pay for their indulgence. While gliding into the penalty area from the left flank, Bernd Holzenbein was tripped by Wim Jansen. Jack Taylor, an English referee, pointed to the spot for the penalty, but the Dutch accused the German winger of diving. However, in the 25th minute, Paul Breitner successfully hammered the ball past Jan Jongbloed. The tide was changing.
German forward Rainer Bonhof ran down the right side just before halftime before throwing a cross into the area. Muller, who was constantly in the ideal position at the ideal time, tugged the ball back into his path and swept it past the Dutch goalie. Muller scored his 68th and last goal in 68 international games. It turned out to be the most significant as well, as Germany hung on to triumph 2-1 and win its second World Cup.
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