46 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Ernie Brandts
Netherlands v Italy
Argentina 1978 | Group A
Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
Ernie Brandts carried the guilt of a nation into the dressing room at half-time. In a game in which the winners would reach the World Cup final, one inopportune act had dealt two devastating blows to the Netherlands’ chances.
In attempting to dispossess Italy forward Roberto Bettega, a sliding Brandts knocked the ball into his own net from just outside the box. If that wasn’t bad enough, the 22-year-old’s knee crashed into Dutch goalkeeper Piet Schrijvers, forcing him to be substituted.
Jan Poortvliet attempted to console Brandts during the break. “He’d scored a header against Austria,” said the left-back. “I told him he’d score another and we’d win.”
The Gelderlander had something much better up his sleeve. Five minutes into the second half, Brandts controlled a headed clearance immaculately and, with Claudio Gentile and Romeo Benetti pouncing, thundered a spectacular shot into the back of Dino Zoff’s net from distance. Another piledriver, this time from Arie Haan, nicked the Netherlands the W.
Further reading
Mandzukic and Brandts’ World Cup rollercoaster
Krol on Cruyff, Michels and Total Football’s legacy
