Johan Cruyff Vs Franz Beckenbauer:The Total Footballer Vs The Libero

1 minute
The 1974 World Cup final between West Germany and the Netherlands saw the clash between two of the most influential figures of the modern game. Johan Cryuff and Franz Beckenbauer.

Plagued by security threats,the 1974 World Cup was a turning point in the history of football. The Dutch with their Total Football mesmerized fans while the Germans with their own interpretation of total football reached the final. Franz Beckenbauer perfected the ”Sweeper role” ,sweeping in balls behind the defence and dictating tempo from midfield while in attack. His exceptional positioning and man marking skills meant that he was the perfect foil to counter Cruyff”s ability to play anywhere on the pitch. 

Trending