Feature
Turn of fate

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.

Advertisement
Johan Cruyff invented the Cruyff Turn 43 years ago at the 1974 World Cup

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.


Keep up to date with ALL the football news, gossip, transfers and goals on our page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary.


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.

Advertisement

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

  1. Cruyff draws his right foot back
  2. Fakes a backwards pass
  3. Instead stops his foot next to the ball
  4. Draws his right leg behind his left
  5. Swivel of the hips towards marker
  6. 180-degree turn and shift of weight
  7. Olsson bites on the fake pass
  8. Cruyff heads to Sweden's box
Johan Cruyff's incredible piece of skill changed the face of football forever
Johan Cruyff was the spearhead behind the 'Total Football' philosophyCredit: Getty Images

However, it is not just the famous turn Cruyff - who tragically passed away from cancer in March 2016 - will be remembered for.

Advertisement

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.

Johan Cruyff's footballing skill revolutionised the beautiful gameCredit: PA:Press Association Images
Dutch legend Johan Cruyff tragically passed away from cancer in March 2016Credit: AP:Associated Press
Advertisement
The skill of Johan Cruyff has been remembered for generationsCredit: Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

MOST READ IN SPORT

XMAS TRAGEDY
Real Madrid star's 'brother-in-law' is shot dead in Christmas Day horror
WOLVES 2 MAN UTD 0
United in chaos after embarrassing goal and Bruno red card
BRU-GO
Fernandes SENT OFF just 90 secs after half-time vs Wolves in third red of season
STAR DIES
Welsh rugby legend dies aged 73 after battle with Motor Neurone disease
machibet777.com