Ajax' World Famous Reputation
1965-1966
1 Ajax
2
Feyenoord
1966-1967
1 Ajax
2
Feyenoord
1967-1968
1 Ajax
2
Feyenoord
1968-1969
1 Feyenoord
2
Ajax
1969-1970
1 Ajax
2
Feyenoord
1970-1971
1 Feyenoord
2
Ajax
1971-1972
1 Ajax
2
Feyenoord
1972-1973
1 Ajax
2
Feyenoord
1973-1974
1 Feyenoord
3
Ajax
1974-1075
1 PSV
3
Ajax
1975-1976
1 PSV
3
Ajax
1976-1977
1 Ajax
2
PSV
Showing these League-results and looking further at the performance in the matches
round Europa Cup I and World-Cup, it can be said that especially until and
including the season 1972-1973 a new 'GOLDEN AGE' had set in.
Playing for the European Cup I, Ajax in the first round eliminated Besiktas by two
wins: 20 (Amsterdam) and 21 (Istanbul).
Then Liverpool!
Generally indicated as nominating for the final, very self-confident, rather over-confident
they came first to Amsterdam. In a glorious, almost historic fogbound struggle
Ajax rose to great heights. Europe trembles when the result is known: 51.
A tremendous Ajax does not give the English champion a shimmer of chance.
Manager Bill Shankley refused to acknowledge defeat. Back in England, he belittles
Ajax performance, blames it all on the fog. 'In Liverpool we shall win by at least
six goals,' he blurts out. But the Scotsman was wrong. On December 14th,
Ajax goes fearlessly in the attack. After being two times in the lead, they end up with
a honourable 22 draw.
In the quarter finals Ajax plays Dukla-Prague. At Amsterdam great old Masopust
and his men steal a 1 1 draw. Still all hope is not lost, certainly not, when
outside-right Swart puts Ajax in the lead at Prague. A few moments later the referee
whistles for a foul by one of the Ajax-defenders; a penalty makes it 11. An extension
At the end of the season 1972-1973 two big victories were booked again: for the
sixteenth time the League-championship and for the third successive time European
Cup I. About this latest thing: after eliminating CSKA (Bulgaria), Bayern München
(Western Germany) and Real Madrid (Spain) millions of people saw on May 30th
Ajax' glory in Belgrade against Juventus (Italy) beating in the final the club
from Turin by 10.
The 1973-1974 season was generally characterized by the World-Championship
Football 1974 in Munich, Western Germany.
Because Ajax usually supplied the Dutch National Team with 5 or 6 players, in
preparation for the World Championship 10 of Ajax' best ones (except
Horst Blankenburg, being a German) were marked out to take part in the Selection,
out of which finally the best team would be formed.
Every football-player, wherever he may be, feeling it a big honour to play for his
country; especially with the World Championship, he will do, of course, his utmost for
this. But as no one can serve two masters, such is not to the benefit of the club.
Particularly in the case of Ajax, havingas saidso many players interested in the
Munich Selection, consequences made themselves felt.
