Ruud Krol
Encyclopedia
Rudolf Jozef Krol (born 24 March 1949 in Amsterdam
) is a retired Dutch footballer
who was capped
83 times for his native country. Playing the vast majority of his career with his home town club of Ajax before traveling the world as both a player and a coach. One of the best defenders of his generation, Krol mainly played as a sweeper
or left-back
, however he could play anywhere across the back foor
or as a defensive midfielder.
. In his first season at the club he did not play much. After the departure of left back Theo van Duivenbode
in the summer of 1969 to Feyenoord, Krol became a regular player. When Ajax reached the UEFA European Cup in 1971
, and won, Krol did not play because of a broken leg. Krol did play in the European Cup finals of 1972
and 1973
. While others such as Johan Cruijff and Johan Neeskens
left for pastures new, Krol, captain since the departure of Piet Keizer
in October 1974, stayed at Ajax until 1980. He moved to the NASL
to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps
for one season. He then joined Napoli
where he played for the next four seasons. His last club before he retired in 1986 was the French club AS Cannes
, at the time in Ligue 2
(the French 2nd division).
Internationally, Krol made his debut for the Netherlands
in 1969 against England
, and would go on to earn 83 caps, retiring from international football in 1983. He was a crucial component in the Total Football
side of the 1970s. A versatile defender, he could play in any position along the back four or midfield. In the 1974 FIFA World Cup
, in which the Netherlands reached the final, Krol primarily played at left-back. He created Cruijff's goal against Brazil
and scored a 25-yard screamer against Argentina
. They fell at the final hurdle, losing 2–1 to West Germany
.
By the time the 1978 FIFA World Cup
came about, Krol had switched to playing as a sweeper and had earned the captain's armband after the retirement of Cruijff. Krol had a fine tournament featuring in the FIFA All Star Team. He was, however, unable to prevent the Netherlands from falling to their second Final defeat, this time losing 3–1 to Argentina.
In 1979, Krol would finish third in the European Footballer of the Year competition behind the winner Kevin Keegan
and the second placed Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
.
Krol played for the Netherlands as captain at the 1980 European Championship, but they disappointed, being knocked out in the first round by West Germany and Czechoslovakia. They also failed to qualify for the 1982 FIFA World Cup
. He played for part of the qualifying for Euro 84
, and played his last international in 1983, in a 1–0 European Championship qualifying defeat against Spain
.
Krol attained the Dutch caps record on 2 May 1979, when he equaled the total of Puck van Heel
. He would become the outright owner of the title, most capped Dutch player, in his next game, his 65th cap, on 22 May 1979. The game was a FIFA Jubilee Match against Argentina
which Argentina won on penalties 8–7.
He would remain the most capped Dutch player until 29 June 2000, when the then Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard
brought on Aron Winter
as a substitute during a Euro 2000
game against Italy
.
Krol is one of only four players to score both a goal and an own goal in the World Cup; the others being Ernie Brandts
(another Dutch player), Mexico's Gustavo Peña
and Serbia's Siniša Mihajlović
.
) and Ajax (under Ronald Koeman
). He became interim manager of Ajax after the resignation of Koeman. He was manager of AC Ajaccio
in France Ligue 2
from 2006 to 2007. He returned as manager of Egypt
ian giants Zamalek in August 2007. He had previously managed them from 1994 to 1999, winning the Egyptian Cup
in 1999, the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1996 and the Afro-Asian Club Championship 1997, the last two being the biggest club level prizes available to CAF
clubs. Krol's return to Zamalek was meant to be a stabilizing presence, the club having gone through several managers in the preceding two seasons.
His stay however would be a short one, within one season he would leave and sign a three year contract with the South African giants Orlando Pirates. He ended his sole season by winning one Egyptian Cup
with Zamalek.
In the three years with the Orlando Pirates he won two South African cups (and a finalist once) and won the national league, all in his last year in charge of the team.
Those cups include MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. Despite that success his contract was not renewed.
Domestic cup, (1970, 71, 72, 79)
Coupe Intercontinentale: 1972
European Cup Championship, (1971, 72, 73)
European Super Cup, (1972, 73)
World Cup runner-up, (1974, 78)
Premier Soccer League(2010/2011)telkom charity cup(2008,2009) MTN 8,(2010)
Nedbank Cup (2011)
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
) is a retired Dutch footballer
Football in the Netherlands
Football is the most popular Sport in the Netherlands. Football was introduced to the Netherlands by Pim Mulier in the 19th century when in 1879, at the age of 14, he founded Haarlemsche Football Club...
who was capped
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
83 times for his native country. Playing the vast majority of his career with his home town club of Ajax before traveling the world as both a player and a coach. One of the best defenders of his generation, Krol mainly played as a sweeper
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
or left-back
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
, however he could play anywhere across the back foor
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
or as a defensive midfielder.
Playing career
He began his career at Ajax Amsterdam under manager Rinus MichelsRinus Michels
Marinus Jacobus Hendricus Michels OON was a Dutch association football player and coach...
. In his first season at the club he did not play much. After the departure of left back Theo van Duivenbode
Theo van Duivenbode
Theo van Duivenbode is a former Dutch footballer who played for Feyenoord and was part of their European Cup victory in 1970. He earned 5 caps for the Netherlands national football team.-References:*...
in the summer of 1969 to Feyenoord, Krol became a regular player. When Ajax reached the UEFA European Cup in 1971
1971 European Cup Final
The 1971 European Cup Final was a football match held at Wembley Stadium, London, on 2 June 1971, that saw Ajax of the Netherlands defeat Panathinaikos of Greece 2–0. An incredible comeback in the second leg of their semi-final against Red Star Belgrade meant Panathinaikos became the first Greek...
, and won, Krol did not play because of a broken leg. Krol did play in the European Cup finals of 1972
1972 European Cup Final
The 1972 European Cup Final was a football match held at De Kuip, Rotterdam, on 31 May 1972, that saw Ajax of the Netherlands defeat Internazionale of Italy 2-0. Two second-half goals from Johan Cruyff gave Ajax their second success in the competition, after their 1971 victory...
and 1973
1973 European Cup Final
The 1973 European Cup Final was a football match held at the Red Star Stadium, Belgrade, on 30 May 1973, in which Ajax of the Netherlands defeated Juventus of Italy 1–0. A single goal from Johnny Rep four minutes into the match was enough for Ajax to claim their third consecutive European Cup...
. While others such as Johan Cruijff and Johan Neeskens
Johan Neeskens
Johannes Jacobus "Johan" Neeskens is a Dutch football manager and former midfielder. As a player, he was an important member of the Dutch national team that finished as runners-up in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups. Former England manager Alf Ramsey said Neeskens was "as good as any player" in...
left for pastures new, Krol, captain since the departure of Piet Keizer
Piet Keizer
Petrus Johannes Keizer was a Dutch professional football player. Having played 364 matches for Ajax, from 1961 to 1974, he is the fourth most capped player for Ajax . He played on left-wing and with Ajax won the European Cup three consecutive times , having lost the 1969 final to A.C...
in October 1974, stayed at Ajax until 1980. He moved to the NASL
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps (NASL)
The original Vancouver Whitecaps were founded on December 11, 1973 and during the 1970s and 1980s played in the North American Soccer League . The Whitecaps achieved success, winning the 1979 Soccer Bowl. The Whitecaps of that era included international players such as Alan Ball, but also "home...
for one season. He then joined Napoli
S.S.C. Napoli
Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, commonly referred to as Napoli, is a professional Italian football club based in Naples and founded in 1926. The club has spent most of its history in Serie A, where it currently plays its 2011–12 season....
where he played for the next four seasons. His last club before he retired in 1986 was the French club AS Cannes
AS Cannes
Association Sportive de Cannes Football is a French association football club based in Cannes. The club was formed 1902 as a sports club and currently play in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Cannes plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin...
, at the time in Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
(the French 2nd division).
Internationally, Krol made his debut for the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
in 1969 against England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
, and would go on to earn 83 caps, retiring from international football in 1983. He was a crucial component in the Total Football
Total Football
"Total Football" is the label given to an influential tactical theory of association football in which any outfield player can take over the role of any other player in a team. It was pioneered by Dutch football club Ajax from 1969 to 1973, and further used by the Netherlands National Football...
side of the 1970s. A versatile defender, he could play in any position along the back four or midfield. In the 1974 FIFA World Cup
1974 FIFA World Cup
The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup, was held in West Germany from 13 June to 7 July. The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded...
, in which the Netherlands reached the final, Krol primarily played at left-back. He created Cruijff's goal against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
and scored a 25-yard screamer against Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
. They fell at the final hurdle, losing 2–1 to West Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
.
By the time the 1978 FIFA World Cup
1978 FIFA World Cup
The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth...
came about, Krol had switched to playing as a sweeper and had earned the captain's armband after the retirement of Cruijff. Krol had a fine tournament featuring in the FIFA All Star Team. He was, however, unable to prevent the Netherlands from falling to their second Final defeat, this time losing 3–1 to Argentina.
In 1979, Krol would finish third in the European Footballer of the Year competition behind the winner Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan
Joseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
and the second placed Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Karl-Heinz "Kalle" Rummenigge is a German former football player.He had his greatest career success with German club Bayern Munich, where he won the Intercontinental Cup, the European Cup, as well as two league titles and two domestic cups.A member of the German national team, Rummenigge won the...
.
Krol played for the Netherlands as captain at the 1980 European Championship, but they disappointed, being knocked out in the first round by West Germany and Czechoslovakia. They also failed to qualify for the 1982 FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup
The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:...
. He played for part of the qualifying for Euro 84
1984 UEFA European Football Championship
The 1984 UEFA European Football Championship final tournament was held in France. West Germany also bid for the hosting of this event. It was the seventh European Football Championship, held every four years and endorsed by UEFA...
, and played his last international in 1983, in a 1–0 European Championship qualifying defeat against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
.
Krol attained the Dutch caps record on 2 May 1979, when he equaled the total of Puck van Heel
Puck van Heel
Gerardus Henricus "Puck" van Heel was a Dutch footballer born in Rotterdam. He earned 64 caps for the Netherlands national football team, and played in the 1934 and 1938 World Cups...
. He would become the outright owner of the title, most capped Dutch player, in his next game, his 65th cap, on 22 May 1979. The game was a FIFA Jubilee Match against Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
which Argentina won on penalties 8–7.
He would remain the most capped Dutch player until 29 June 2000, when the then Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard
Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard is a Dutch football manager of Dutch and Surinamese descent and former player. Rijkaard has played for Ajax, Real Zaragoza and Milan, and represented his national side 73 times, scoring 10 goals. In his coaching career, he has been at the helm of the Dutch national side,...
brought on Aron Winter
Aron Winter
Aron Mohamed Winter [VIN-ter] is a retired Dutch football midfielder and current head coach of Toronto FC...
as a substitute during a Euro 2000
2000 UEFA European Football Championship
The 2000 UEFA European Football Championship, or Euro 2000, was the 11th UEFA European Football Championship, which is held every four years and organized by UEFA, association football's governing body in Europe....
game against Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
.
Krol is one of only four players to score both a goal and an own goal in the World Cup; the others being Ernie Brandts
Ernie Brandts
Ernstus "Ernie" Wilhelmus Johannes Brandts is a former Dutch football defender, who played for PSV Eindhoven, Roda JC Kerkrade, MVV Maastricht and De Graafschap....
(another Dutch player), Mexico's Gustavo Peña
Gustavo Peña
Gustavo Peña Velazco is a retired Mexican footballer.During his club career he played for Oro Guadalajara, Cruz Azul and Monterrey. He earned 82 caps and scored 3 goals for the Mexico national football team from 1961 to 1974, and took part in two FIFA World Cups , where he was captain in both...
and Serbia's Siniša Mihajlović
Siniša Mihajlovic
Siniša Mihajlović is a Serbian football manager and former player. He was in charge of Serie A club Fiorentina since June 2010 to November 2011....
.
Managerial career
In his managerial career, he has been head coach of Egypt, and has been assistant manager of the Netherlands (under Louis van GaalLouis van Gaal
Aloysius Paulus Maria "Louis" van Gaal OON is a Dutch football manager formerly in charge of Ajax, Netherlands, Barcelona, AZ and Bayern Munich...
) and Ajax (under Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman is a former Dutch footballer, and the current manager of Feyenoord. He is the younger brother of former Feyenoord coach Erwin Koeman and the son of former Dutch international Martin Koeman...
). He became interim manager of Ajax after the resignation of Koeman. He was manager of AC Ajaccio
AC Ajaccio
Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain...
in France Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
from 2006 to 2007. He returned as manager of Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
ian giants Zamalek in August 2007. He had previously managed them from 1994 to 1999, winning the Egyptian Cup
Egyptian Soccer Cup
The Egypt Cup is the main "knockout" football cup competition in Egypt. It was created in 1921, and was not played only between 1968 and 1971 due to the Six-Day War, in 1973–74 due to October War and in 1979–80, 1981–82, 1986–87 and 1993–94....
in 1999, the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1996 and the Afro-Asian Club Championship 1997, the last two being the biggest club level prizes available to CAF
Confederation of African Football
The Confederation of African Football is the administrative and controlling body for African association football.CAF represents the national football associations of Africa, runs continental, national, and club competitions, and controls the prize money, regulations and media rights to those...
clubs. Krol's return to Zamalek was meant to be a stabilizing presence, the club having gone through several managers in the preceding two seasons.
His stay however would be a short one, within one season he would leave and sign a three year contract with the South African giants Orlando Pirates. He ended his sole season by winning one Egyptian Cup
Egyptian Soccer Cup
The Egypt Cup is the main "knockout" football cup competition in Egypt. It was created in 1921, and was not played only between 1968 and 1971 due to the Six-Day War, in 1973–74 due to October War and in 1979–80, 1981–82, 1986–87 and 1993–94....
with Zamalek.
In the three years with the Orlando Pirates he won two South African cups (and a finalist once) and won the national league, all in his last year in charge of the team.
Those cups include MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. Despite that success his contract was not renewed.
Honours
League Championship, (1968, 70, 72, 73, 77, 79, 80, 81)Domestic cup, (1970, 71, 72, 79)
Coupe Intercontinentale: 1972
European Cup Championship, (1971, 72, 73)
European Super Cup, (1972, 73)
World Cup runner-up, (1974, 78)
Premier Soccer League(2010/2011)telkom charity cup(2008,2009) MTN 8,(2010)
Nedbank Cup (2011)