Johan Cruyff, dead at the far too early age of 68, will surely not be forgotten. He leaves the most wonderful memories of sublime soccer skill, of course. But not just memories — Cruyff becomes one of the first of the soccer greats to leave a career-long record — on film and tape and discs […]
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Posted inAround The Net in Soccer World Daily, Story
Cruyff family thankful for outpouring of tributes
On behalf of his family, Jordi Cruyff expressed thanks for the tributes to his father, Johan Cruyff, who died of cancer at the age of 68 on Thursday. “It has touched usdeeply that Johan was such an inspiration to many of you,” said Jordi, who played for Manchester United, in a statement. “On behalf of […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Washington Post columnist John Feinstein
“He might’ve been the smartest athlete I ever met. He just had this vision in everything he did, on and off the field.” — Washington Post columnist John Feinstein onthe late Johan Cruyff, whom he covered as a young reporter for the Post in 1980. Feinstein said in decades of covering sports he has never […]
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Van der Sar: More than the soccer world will miss Cruyff
Former Dutch star Edwin van der Sar, now Ajax’s marketing manager, said the news of the passing of Johan Cruyff from cancer left the Amsterdam club, where he began his career, in a stateof shock. “News of Johan’s death has hit us hard,” Van der Sar told NOS, “even though we were fully aware that […]
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Beckenbauer: 'Cruyff was a brother to me'
German great Franz Beckenbauer expressed shock at the news of the death of Johan Cruyff. Beckenbauer and Cruyff were opponents in one of the great World Cupfinals, Germany’s 2-1 win over the Netherlands in 1974. “I am shocked. Johan Cruyff is dead. He was not only a very good friend, but also a brother to me,” […]
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Johan Cruyff, the soccer philosopher
The late Johan Cruyff was not only a great player and coach, he was also a brilliant philosopher of the game. “Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardestthing there is.” “If I start running slightly earlier than someone else, I seem faster.” Here are 12 famous Cruyff lines.
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Johan Cruyff's legacy spans two continents
Americans were just awakening to soccer in the early 1970s. The player they all knew was Pele, by then already retired from international soccer and in the twilight of hiscareer. The player they all watched and copied was Johan Cruyff, who died on Thursday at the age of 68. Watching Cruyff was not easy. He […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
The day Cruyff came to town
By Dan Woog While the soccer world mourns the death of Johan Cruyff — the electrifying, revolutionary player who brought Holland to global prominence, then as a coach laidthe foundation for Barcelona (and Spain’s) enduring influence — Westporters of a certain age recall the day the lithe forward arrived in town. In 1979, a Dutchman […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Acting Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy
“I honestly think we should proceed judicially against these absolute barbarians.” — Acting Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, saying he was disgusted by the“repugnant” and “sickening” behavior of PSV fans, who are being investigated for throwing coins for women begging in Madrid’s central Plaza Mayor before the Dutch club’sChampions League match against Atletico Madrid. (AP)
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Chicago continues makeover with Goossens signing
The Chicago Fire’s rebuilding continued with the signing of Dutch midfielder John Goossens, who spent preseason with the Fire. Goossens, 27, signed a two-year deal with a club option for thethird year. “John’s style of play suits our team quite well,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez. “He is tidy on the ball. He can […]