Johnny Rep
During the 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany, the Netherlands started strong by beating Uruguay 2-0 and Rep was a great protagonist with a brace: a header from a cross by Suurbier and a great collective action originating from a ball intercepted by Rep and finished by himself. After the goalless draw with Sweden, the Netherlands overwhelmed Bulgaria 4-1 and Rep scored again, this time with an assist from Cruijff, In the second group stage, the Netherlands started with a clear 4-0 against Argentina and Rep scored his fourth personal goal in this World Cup by correcting a non-exceptional cross from Cruijff. After defeating East Germany and Brazil, the Netherlands reached the final which was then lost 2-1 against the hosts West Germany: on the 1-1 result Cruijff offered Rep a golden ball to score but the winger's shot Dutch left is saved by Sepp Maier, the German goalkeeper who seemed insurmountable that day.