And that was that: Ajax won the title, but not a double. They reached the Cup final and lost it 1-3 to their arch-enemy Feyenoord. True, the final was played in Rotterdam and in front of home crowd Feyenoord hardly needed motivation, particularly against Ajax, but they were in crisis and Ajax looked at least half-decent. Half-decent is not great… and fells pray to ambition. At least when a single match decides everything.
Third row from left: Gerard van der Lem, Ivan Nielsen, Roger Albertsen, Joop Hiele,
Jan Peters, Peter Petursson, Stanley Brard.
Middle row: Gerard Meijer (Verzorger), Vaclav Jezek (Hoofdtrainer), André Stafleu,
Jan van Deinsen, Sjaak Troost, Ton v. Engelen, Carlo de Leeuw, Marcel van der Blom,
Richard Budding, Ben Wijnstekers, Clemens Westerhof (Assistent).
Sitting: Michel van de Korput, René Notten, Karel Bouwens,
Win van Zinnen, Wim van Til, Wim Jansen, Paul van der Blom.
To a point, winning the Cup hides the problems of Feyenoord: winners immediately suggests good health. It was more saving face and momentary success, spurred by playing against the arch-enemy, though. Of course, Feyenoord, even when weak, was strong in Holland, but only fools would equate this victory with strong team. If anything, the victory was good for Vaclav Jezek – the man who made Czechoslovakia European champion in 1976 was hired clearly to restore Feyenoord to its former might. His second season with the club brought success. This was the first trophy Feyenoord won since 1974 and the their first Cup since 1969 and their 5th Cup altogether. The drought was over at last… well, not really. This is a period in the history of the club better not mentioned.