The amount of words written over the past few days about the passing of Johan Cruyff highlights just what an important figure the Dutch master was in the history of the game.
On Friday night at the Amsterdam Arena, it was the turn of both players and fans to show their appreciation for the great man with a touching pause on 14 minutes for a round of applause.
The poignant moment came just after Oliver Giroud had scored for France, but it was a wonderful mark of respect for Cruyff, who wore the no. 14 jersey throughout his playing days…
Takes something rather special to stop football in this way. #Cruyff https://t.co/A8ZUHxXxAe
— Harry Robinson (@HarryRobinson64) March 25, 2016
Match between France vs. Netherlands took a pause during the 14th minute in memory of Johan Cruyff.(@AlPrimerToque) pic.twitter.com/VRZdmIy0Ff
— The Catalan Giant (@TheCataIanGiant) March 25, 2016
Wonderful stuff. The game itself at the stadium, which is to be renamed after Cruyff, ended in a 3-2 win for Les Bleus, with the late winner coming courtesy of Blaise Matuidi, who wore none other than the no. 14 shirt!