He did not play in the 1978 World Cup where the Dutch again lost in the final to Argentina.

CNN: Cruyff slams 'anti-football' of beaten Dutch side

Two goals in three second-half minutes by Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben helped to see off a resolute Uruguay side and put the Netherlands into a World Cup final for the first time since 1978.

BBC: Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands

In some senses, the approach has worked: The Dutch reached the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, its first final appearance since 1978.

WSJ: Like for Like Among Old Rivals

Home advantage also proved decisive in 1978 as Argentina ended their long wait for World Cup success with Mario Kempes scoring twice in a 3-1 win over the Netherlands in the final.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Dutch, who lost in the 1974 and 1978 finals, were bidding to become the first side since Brazil in 1970 to go through World Cup qualifying and the finals unbeaten.

BBC: Netherlands 0-1 Spain (aet)