Johan Cruyff performed the iconic ‘Cruyff Turn’ 43 years ago today… a look back at the Dutch genius’ moment of magic
Holland legend pulled off the astonishing feat of skill against Sweden at the 1974 World Cup at Germany's Westfalenstadion
IT'S not often a 0-0 draw can change the face of football, but thanks to Johan Cruyff, that's exactly what happened.
43 years ago to the day, on June 19, 1974, Cruyff pulled off the first-ever 'Cruyff Turn' in a goalless draw between Holland and Sweden.
23 minutes into the clash at the Westfalenstadion at the 1974 World Cup in Germany, the Dutch genius dummied defender Jan Olsson, leaving him utterly stranded.
The contemporary equivalent of 'sending his defender for a hot dog', Cruyff followed his dummy with a sudden, unexpected 180-degree turn.
Olsson's look of panic as he tried simply to stay on his own two feet immediately went down as an iconic piece of footballing history.
While the audacious piece of skill amounted to ultimately nothing on the score-sheet, it truly changed the face of football forever.
The Cruyff Turn: Explained
- Cruyff draws his right foot back
- Fakes a backwards pass
- Instead stops his foot next to the ball
- Draws his right leg behind his left
- Swivel of the hips towards marker
- 180-degree turn and shift of weight
- Olsson bites on the fake pass
- Cruyff heads to Sweden's box
However, it is not just the famous turn Cruyff - who tragically passed away from cancer in March 2016 - will be remembered for.
His philosophy has left in indelible mark on the beautiful game, one which will last an eternity.
Under the guidance of manager Rinus Michels, Cruyff was the spearhead behind the revolutionary ‘Total Football’ style of play.
The belief was that the team would be full of 11 talented players who could play all over the pitch.
They would make the pitch as wide as possible with the ball — and close it off to their opposition when they conceded possession.
For lack of a better word, Cruyff 'reinvented' the game of football... and changed it forever, one turn at a time.
