When Brazilmet Holland in the second group stage of the 1974 World Cup, a place in the final was at stake. It was the reigning champions against the pretenders to the throne.  Johan Cruyff and his colleagues were playing 'Total Football', a fluid, aggressive style of play which had thrilled the world.  The Dutch were nonchalantly brilliant as they swatted away opponent after opponent.  Brazil, by contrast, were struggling to live up to the legacy of the 1970 with so many of the heroes of that triumph (Pelé, Carlos Alberto, Tostao, Gerson et al) having gone, to be replaced by underwhelming successors.  Even worse (as far as fans and journalists were concerned) they were employing a robust style, which wasn't easy on the eye.  This new style was designed to make up for the perceived lack of flair as well to provide protection after Brazil's last European World Cup (in 1966) had seen them lose the physical battle.  The match between the old kings and the crown princes promised much.  What followed though was a nasty contest, which concluded with the descent of Brazil from their pedestal, as Holland became the stylish keepers of beautiful football. 

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