70 June 2020 FourFourTwo
02 RIn US MICHELS
Brazil were facing the Netherlands at
the 1974 World Cup, and Jairzinho
was trapped.
Years earlier, the tricky winger had toyed
with Italy’s defence to help set up Carlos
Alberto’s legendary goal in the 1970 World
Cup final. Now, he was looking around
desperately for help, as a swarm of Dutch
players hurtled towards him. First, JohnnyRep. Then Arie Haan. Then Wim Jansen.
Then Johan Neeskens.
Failing in an attempt to dribble his way
out, the Brazilian panicked – feebly giving the
ball away, and allowing the Netherlands to
begin another passing masterclass. He may
have been part of the greatest side of all
time, but Jairzinho had never faced anything
like this.That evening in Dortmund, holders Brazil
were beaten 2-0, and Rinus Michels had
guided the Netherlands to their first-ever
World Cup final. Victory was confirmed with
a fine team goal that started deep in their
own half, and was finished by Johan Cruyff.
“Until then, no one really knew how good
we were,” Cruyff later wrote. “The game
against Brazil was the moment you could
point to and say, ‘That was Total Football’.”
It’s a phrase that first came into existence
that summer, created to describe Michels’
Netherlands team and the style of play so
brilliantly deployed by him. He would win
the European Cup and European
Championship during his distinguished
career, yet arguably his greatest legacyCRUYFF’S MEnTOR MADE
EVERYOnE THInK ABOUT
TACTICS In A WAY THEY
nEVER HAD BEFORE
GREATEST
MAn AGERS100