Wamma! In 1974 in Dortmund, Netherlands were playing Sweden when Johan Cruyff did something that had NEVER been seen on a football pitch before. He looked like he was going to pass the ball with his right foot — and instead dragged it BEHIND his standing leg with the inside of his boot, completely turning Swedish defender Jan Olsson around. The Cruyff Turn was BORN. The move is still taught to children around the world today. One moment, one move, GENIUS!
Year: 1974 Match: Netherlands vs Sweden Location: Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Round: Group Stage Category: Skill
The Moment
- Cruyff invented the move on the spot during Netherlands vs Sweden in the group stage
- Defender Jan Olsson later admitted he could not believe what Cruyff had done to him
- The Cruyff Turn became the most-imitated football skill of the entire 20th century
- Cruyff and his Total Football side reached the 1974 Final but lost 2-1 to West Germany
- Olsson said the move was the proudest moment of his career — even though he was the victim
The Verdict
The Cruyff Turn was football SKILL elevated to art. A single piece of improvisation that became a permanent part of the game's vocabulary. Cruyff never won a World Cup, but his contribution to football tactics and skill is unmatched in history. One move, one moment, ONE legend!
Tomorrow: #18 — Stay tuned for the next magical World Cup moment!
