Page 18 iGap travelguide 2023
P. 18
iGap Travel Guide
18
THE MUST SEE TOURIST SIGHTS OF
THE TOTAL FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE AT THE JOHAN CRUYFF ARENA
Possibly more emblematic of the Netherlands than
canals, tulips and clogs; the concept of ‘Total Football’
was pioneered by Rinus Michels and his Ajax team
between 1969 and 1973, during which time they won
three consecutive European Cups. The Dutch national
team embraced the style in the 1974 World Cup,
helping them to reach the final and firmly cementing
‘Total Football’ as the most important revolutionary
movement in the game’s history.
When in Amsterdam, take the opportunity to pay
homage to the footballing gods at the home of
Totaalvoetbal
: the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Johan
Cruijff ArenA Stadium Tour is conducted by a
passionate football fan who will guide you along
the touchline of the hallowed turf to the engulfing
leather seats of the dugout and up to the unbeatable
views of the press stand. When the Ajax team are not
training or playing, you can even visit the changing
rooms to get a true behind the scenes look at the
birthplace of modern European football.
Amsterdam’s historic canals, Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Red Light District
and unique coffee shops attract almost 20 million tourists each year. The Dutch capital offers
something for everyone with its smogarsbord of cultural and historic attractions. In this article,
we highlight three stops that should feature on the itinerary of any first time visitor.
FOR SPORTS FANS…
AMSTERDAM FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
3x Image credits: Johan Cruijff Arena
18
THE MUST SEE TOURIST SIGHTS OF
THE TOTAL FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE AT THE JOHAN CRUYFF ARENA
Possibly more emblematic of the Netherlands than
canals, tulips and clogs; the concept of ‘Total Football’
was pioneered by Rinus Michels and his Ajax team
between 1969 and 1973, during which time they won
three consecutive European Cups. The Dutch national
team embraced the style in the 1974 World Cup,
helping them to reach the final and firmly cementing
‘Total Football’ as the most important revolutionary
movement in the game’s history.
When in Amsterdam, take the opportunity to pay
homage to the footballing gods at the home of
Totaalvoetbal
: the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Johan
Cruijff ArenA Stadium Tour is conducted by a
passionate football fan who will guide you along
the touchline of the hallowed turf to the engulfing
leather seats of the dugout and up to the unbeatable
views of the press stand. When the Ajax team are not
training or playing, you can even visit the changing
rooms to get a true behind the scenes look at the
birthplace of modern European football.
Amsterdam’s historic canals, Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Red Light District
and unique coffee shops attract almost 20 million tourists each year. The Dutch capital offers
something for everyone with its smogarsbord of cultural and historic attractions. In this article,
we highlight three stops that should feature on the itinerary of any first time visitor.
FOR SPORTS FANS…
AMSTERDAM FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
3x Image credits: Johan Cruijff Arena
