FIFA International Friendly halted in 14th minute for tribute to Dutch legend Cruyff
It was with heavy hearts that the Netherlands national football team took to the pitch. The Oranje playing a friendly at home against France, and it was also the first game for the Dutch since the passing of legend Johan Cruyff. The football star passed away Thursday after a lengthy battle with lung cancer -- and his memory was honoured in Amsterdam.
A picture of Cruyff in his famous number 14 adourned the tunnel as the players would enter the stadium.
And his image is put on the big screen in remembrance of the Dutchman.
Also before the match starts, fans and players observe a minute's silence, mourning for those who lost their lives in Tuesday's Brussels terrorist attacks.
France 3 - Netherlands 2
And once the match starts -- the French are on the attack (you do not hear that often). Antoine Griezmann curls in a free-kick to make it 1-0 for the visitors after only six minutes. The Atletico forward finds the top corner and leaves no chance for Jasper Cillessen.
only seven minutes later, Didier Deschamps' team double the tally. this time, Olivier Giroud, volleying in on the turn from a Blaise Matuidi header. His meaty french foot making it 2-nil.
The action was brought to a halt moments later as those in attendance provide a minute's applause for Cruyff. The break in play comes in the 14th minute, coinciding with Cruyff's shirt number. The Dutch legend was known for his brand of "total football'.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time, the hosts pull one back just over a minute after the break. Memphis Depay is brough in as a sub and his free-kick finds Luuk de Jong for the header. It's 2-1.
The Netherlands get the equaliser in 86th minute off a corner as Ibrahim Afellay strikes from the edge of the box. (REPLAY) It's perfect shot from the former Barcelona winger, as it goes through a maze of players and he gestures to the camera the number of 14 in respect to Cruyff.
But the home side are on level terms for less than two minutes. Blaise Matuidi, scoring from an acute angle to help France win it 3-2 against the Netherlands.
Other notable international friendlies Friday. Bosnia Herzegovina thrashed Luxembourg 3-0. Republic of Ireland beat Switzerland 1-0. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty as Portugal lost to Bulgaria 1-0.
