World Cup: Holland's pressing tactic in 1974 was absolutely wild

Holland are the World Cup‘s serial underachievers.

The Dutch hold the record for playing in the most finals without ever winning the biggest tournament in sport.

Holland lost against Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller’s West Germany side in 1974, before being defeated by host nation Argentina four years later.

The Oranje also reached the final of the 2010 World Cup, but an extra-time winner by Spain’s Andres Iniesta left the nation heartbroken once again.

But while the Dutch are yet to lift the Jules Rimet trophy, the football-loving country have given so, so much to the tournament down the years.

In the 1970s, their ‘Total Football’ playing style – an invention credited to managerial legend Rinus Michels – was a joy to behold.

The likes of Johan Cruyff, Johnny Rep and Johan Neeskens tormented opposing players for fun with their unique brilliance.

One aspect of the Dutch’s game that was unlike any other team’s was the way in which they won the ball back.

At the 1974 World Cup, Holland’s pressing style made Jurgen Klopp‘s ‘Gegenpressing’ look rather timid.

Whenever the opposition had the ball, a significant number of Michels’ players would swarm around the man in possession like a pack of hungry hyenas.

But they didn’t just run around like maniacs in search of an interception high up the pitch. It was all pre-planned and methodical as well, with the Dutch players staying vigilant and waiting for the perfect opportunity to unleash their pressing mayhem.

Check out several clips of Holland’s unique tactic at the 1974 World Cup in the video below…

That is absolutely mental – and also pure genius.

Imagine having the ball at your feet and seeing six or seven high-quality Dutch footballers charging towards you like men