Special Cruyff tribute at Netherlands match

Posted Saturday, March 26, 2016 by Foxsports.com

The Netherlands' home friendly against France on Friday night marked the passing of Dutch great Johan Cruyff in a very special way.

Cruyff, who also enjoyed memorable spells at Ajax Amsterdam and Barcelona, died of cancer aged 68 on Thursday.

After 14 minutes of play, the match was stopped for a minute - a reference to the No 14 that Cruyff wore throughout his international career.

It was supposed to be a minute's silence, but the crowd spontaneously rose to their feet and burst out into applause.

All 22 players on the field paused to join in the tribute as an image of Cruyff appeared on the stadium's big screen.

"It was special," said France coach Didier Deschamps. "A great man like Johan Cruyff deserved such a tribute and the stadium responded to him."

The Netherlands went on to lose the match 3-2 after a late winner from Blaise Matuidi, but coach Danny Blind said the occasion did not affect his side's performance.

"I'm not going to blame that. Once the whistle goes, you have to be ready like a pro.

Also on Friday, Dutch football association (KNVB) president Michael van Praag said the famous 53,000-capacity Amsterdam Arena could be renamed in honour of Cruyff.

"I can't wait for the moment when we rename our stadium the Johan Cruyff Arena. It's the best tribute we can pay him," said Van Praag.