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36 days to go: Cruyff the creator

May 7, 2026 3 min read
36 days to go: Cruyff the creator

Johan Cruyff created 36 goalscoring opportunities for the Netherlands during the 1974 West Germany World Cup — the most chances created by any player in a single World Cup tournament. Diego Maradona's 27 chances created for Argentina at the 1986 Mexico World Cup ranks second.

The Flying Dutchman contributed three goals and three assists across seven matches. In a breathtaking performance against Sweden, he completed 12 dribbles past opponents, including his unforgettable Cruyff Turn. Only three players have completed more dribbles in a single World Cup match: Paul Gascoigne's 13 against Cameroon in 1990, Jairzinho's 13 against Uruguay in 1970, and Jay-Jay Okocha's 15 against Italy in 1994.

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