Rinus Michels......

[Reg Smeeton]

.......RIP

    Difficult to explain, how good the early Ajax and Dutch national team was in the early 70's..........in those days when there was little TV football....all we got was some domestic stuff and English football was going into a period of stagnation, riddled with choppers and cynicism.......as exemplified by Revie's Leeds of the day.

 Michels' sides were full of gifted individuals playing to a team plan, orchestrated by one of the all time greats Johan Cruyff.

 They didn't win the WC in 74 or 78 when having arguably the best side, but did win the Euro 88, when Michels could call on the likes of Van Basten, Gullitt and Rijkaard.

 Always had a dodgy keeper mind in the shape of Jan Joengbloed, who turned up at the CG in the 70's for a friendly and shipped 4 goals whilst playing for Roda.

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

Holland in 74 and 78, arguably the best side ever (with the possible exception of Brazil in 70.  How they have never won a World Cup is a mystery to me.

[Reg Smeeton]

Probably having to play the hosts in the final....which history shows is never easy if they're half decent.

[janaage]

Argentina 78 was the most corrupt tournament since Italy 34.  Bribed officials, everything went in the Argies favour.  Although unlike the Italian tournament non of the officials were advised by the country's dictactor than the home side should win in 78.