Former Socceroos assistant coach and Dutch legend Johan Neeskens dies aged 73

Dutch great Johan Neeskens’ “immense” contribution to the Socceroos’ bold FIFA 2006 World Cup campaign has been lauded by Football Australia following his death at the age of 73.

Neeskens was regarded as one of the world’s finest midfielders, having played in the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals for the Netherlands and being a member of the famous Ajax team that won three successive European Cups in the early 1970s.

Following his retirement in 1991, Neeskens turned his hand to coaching and joined the Socceroos staff led by countryman Guus Hiddink in November 2005 ahead of the following year’s World Cup in Germany, where Australia reached the round-of-16 before losing 1-0 to eventual champions Italy.

“Neeskens’ time with the Socceroos, though brief, left an indelible mark, as his experience and football intellect helped shape a defining moment in Australian football history,” an FA statement said.

FA chairman Anter Isaac described Neeskens as a “true footballing legend”.

“His contribution to the Socceroos’ success at the 2006 World Cup was immense, and his ability to connect with players and staff alike made him a valued and respected figure within our national team,” Isaac said.

“His passing is a great loss for the football world. We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.”

Neeskens died on Sunday (AEDT) after falling ill in Algeria, where he was involved in a coaching project.