|
|
|
|
|
|
Rob
Rensenbrink
(Holland)
This
left-sided attacking player was instrumental as
Holland reached two World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.
Born in Amsterdam, Rensenbrink spent most of his
career in Belgium with Anderlecht winning several
trophies including two European Cup Winners's Cups. He
was a good dribbler and like most other Dutch players
at that time, he could easily adapt playing in another
position if required. He made his international debut
for Holland against Scotland in 1968 and by 1974 was
established in the team that travelled to West Germany
for the World Cup. He missed only one game in the
tournament and was only half-fit for the final, but
coach Michels gambled and played him from start. He
was substituted at half-time in the match Holland lost
2-1 to the hosts.
In Argentina four years
later, Holland again reached the final. Rensenbrink
had more responsibility in Cruyff’s absence. He
scored a hat-trick in the opening game against Iran
(including two pens) and another penalty against
Scotland which was goal number 1000 in World Cup
history. In the final, Holland yet again had to play
the hosts and Rensenbrink was an inch away from
becoming a World Cup winning hero when his shot at 1-1
hit the post in the dying seconds of the final.
Argentina scored twice in extra-time as Holland again
had to settle for silver.
He played his 46th and
last international match in 1979 and in 1980 wound
down his career with a spell at Portland Timbers in
the NASL, followed by a brief stay with Toulouse in
France in 1981.
|
|
Back
to World Cup Legends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
