Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has come out and heaped praise on the 2014 World Champions Germany saying they played the best football.
- By Himanshu Dhingra
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Germany went on to win the World Cup for the fourth time after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in Rio de Janerio in extra time
The 67 year old was speaking to De Telegraaf for his column, he said, “I’m happy with Germany. They are an ambassador for football.”
The former striker also had praise for his country,”The third place is more than excellent.”
Cruyff also went on to say that Eredivisie should not follow the system deployed by the national team as it would not be liked by the fans, and the coaches should focus on defending from the front.
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I come from a vast and a varied country - India. Big football fan, big Newcastle United, Ajax, Dortmund fan.
Cruyff is half right. Only about Germany. 5-3-2 was used right against Spain, Brazil and Chile(draw needed). It was used too long against Argentina and Australia. Switched it in 2nd half but did not against Argentina. If they go 4-3-3 in second half they might have had a chance. Argentina was taking zero risks. Leaving a non-confident Cilessen was wrong for Cilessen and the Dutch spot takers. I am being critical but its hind sight. The fact is they exceeded expectations but they were close enough and perhaps good enough to give Germany a challenge as much or more than Argentina did. Nonetheless I enjoyed their play much more this time than 2010 when they played afraid in the 2010 final. Robben had two breaks and didn’t go down and well that was that. I think Dutch football has to learn to build mentally strong teams. No egos great team work and put your players in the best position but not just not to lose but succeed and win. LVG great job nobody is perfect but you almost were.
I totally agree with what you stated. I am still upset at how the Oranje was knocked out by Argentina, as they did play better and were so close to getting to the final again; I am also sure the Dutch could have given Germany a run for their money! So close and yet so far again! I hope I can eventually see them win the WC!
LVG did more than any other one in the world can do he realy squess gold from the team here in israel we say big CHEERS FOR LVG.WE ALL PROUD OF YOU.
YES IN HOLLAND NEED TO WORK ON STRONG MENTALLY TEAM,WITH THAT WE WILL SEE MORE CUPS AND TROFIES IN HOLLAND. WE WISH ALL THE BEST TO GUUS HIDDINK,AND SAY YES GUUS CAN MAKE THE TEAM MORE MENTALLY STRONG.LETS GO GUUS’Y YOU KNOW ANG CAN DO IT ON ITS BEST.
I have to say that lvg raised a basic team above their level.
His coaching and preparation was world class.
I like many thought the plane would be back from brazil within a few weeks.
I think Holland set an example with unity and team spirit which is why they got to semi finals.
Imagine what lvg could have done wth nl team 4 years ago.
It’s the weakest team I have seen but went same distance as the great 98 squad. You cannot ask for more than that.
Dutch football once again is creating great players year after year and this time this current crop.of youngsters have gained huge benefits and experience.ce that will.set them in good state for next competition.