World Cup 2018: 5 greatest footballers who never won the world cup

French Soccer Legend Michel Platini
Platini is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time

#4 Johan Cruyff

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Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff was an advocate of the philosophy of Total Football

Johan Cruyff, the most famous advocate of the philosophy of Total Football, is regarded as one of the best footballers to ever grace the pitch and almost nobody would deny that. Like Platini, Cruyff was also awarded the Ballon d'Or thrice in 1971, 1973 and 1974.

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Cruyff in his 48 appearances as an Attacking Midfielder for the Netherlands, scored 33 times. With Cruyff leading the attack, the Oranje took 'Total Football' to the World Cup in 1974.

They dominated every game and reached the finals, in the process, knocking out Argentina 4-0, where Cruyff scored twice, East Germany 2-0, and defending champions Brazil 2-0, where Cruyff scored once again.

He would have got the first goal of the final if not for a penalty-yielding tackle inside the box that ultimately led to a Dutch goal by Johan Neeskens.

The World Cup, however, went to West Germany as they won 2-1 and Cruyff, one of the greatest players ever, and the Oranje, one of the greatest teams ever were left without a World Cup. Cruyff won the Golden Ball for his performance throughout the tournament.

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Edited by Alan John
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