EC1980: the end of the Golden Generation

Johnny Rep between several West German opponents

The 1980s EC were held in Italy. Holland was among the eight finalists on this tournament. The Dutch impressed in 1974 and 1978 but failed to become a major force in this version.

Holland had qualified for the EC through a legendary 2-3 away win against East Germany. Rene van de Kerkhof scored the winner. A solo-dribble from his own half, comparable with Maradona’s super goal against England. Oranje was 2-0 down and thereby out the EC tournament. In an intense atmosphere in Leipzig, Oranje fought its way back in the game to win 2-3.
It was the last breath of a super generation. Holland failed in the final tournament. Johan Cruyff had retired and for him and other 1970s icons like Van Hanegem and Muhren we got names like Michel van de Korput, Huub Stevens, Martien Vreijsen and Kees Kist.

Oranje’s preparation campaign was a disaster. Holland played several games against local amateurs and the team manager, Jan Zwartkruis, was formerly the coach of the army football team (!!). The former airforce officer trained the players as if they were green berets.

Several players ended every training session puking and vomiting.

A delegation of players pleaded the KNVB for a less army-like approach. Zwartkruis changed his ways.

“We are going to Rome” sang Holland but we never saw Rome. Oranje returned after two games in Napels and one in Milan. The preparation campaign was longer than the actual EC! Oranje won the first game against Greece with luck. The Greek goalie made a kicking motion towards striker Dick Nanninga and the ref rewarded that with a penalty kick: 1-0.

In the second match, Oranje had a change to revenge the 1974 finals but the lacklustre Dutchies never seemed to believe in their chances against a strong West German team, with players like Matthaus, Rummenige, Kalz, Forster, Stielike and superstar Bernd Schuster. Oranje was played off the pitch, 3-0, three goals by Klaus Allofs. John Rep scored the 3-1 after Wijnstekers was fouled (outside the box, but the ref rewarded a penalty) and Willy van der Kerkhof hit home from 20 meters (3-2) but it would be too late. The West Germans were the better team and Oranje realized the party was over. In the last violent match against Czechoslovakia Oranje drew 1-1.

Zwartkruis was heavily frustrated because everyone who was remotely linked to the KNVB stayed in the players’ hotel. Wifes of KNVB members, players’ girlfriends, the works. Zwartkruis would later call it the “Oranje Mafia”.

Remarkable was the replacement of super fast Rene van de Kerkhof by Martien Vreijsen, because he trained so well. Vreijsen had never played an Oranje game before and would never again play one.

Holland would awaken from it’s winter sleep in 1988.