Rob Rensenbrink : A Remarkable Finisher

Few players have contributed greatly for the Dutch soccer team. Rob Rensenbrink is surely one of them. The left-sided striker played a crucial in making Holland reach the finals of World Cup twice in 1974 as well as 1978.

Rensenbrink played mostly in his career with Anderlecht in Belgium. He won many trophies and this included two European Cup Winners’s Cups. This talented player was known for his good dribbling skills. Like his fellow Dutch players he easily adapted in different positions if needed. He first played for Holland in 1968 against Scotland. He was an established player in few years time.

An important phase of his career came in 1974 when the team went to participate in the World Cup in West Germany. He played in all matches except one in this event. He was just half-fit to play in the final. Coach Michels took the gamble and featured him in the playing team right from start. He was substituted at the half-time during this game. Holland were beaten 2-1 by the hosts.

After four years, Holland again entered the final in Argentina. Rensenbrink was expected to play a crucial role as Cruyff was not available. He scored hat-trick against Iran in the opening match. He scored a penalty in the game against Scotland. This was the 1000th goal scored in the history of World Cup. Holland played against hosts in the final. Rensenbrink just missed the chance to become the winning hero of this World Cup when his shot hit the goal post in dying moments of the final with score at 1-1. Argentina scored two more goals in the extra-time and Holland again came second.