Not sure if there's a general discussion thing on here but Havelange's comments on an England - Germany conspiracy are hilarious. The two countries had been at war twice in the previous 50 years. The Dutch hated the Germans even more and were so far ahead of the rest of the world in their tactics and style that nobody wanted to play them.
How does Mr Havelange account for Netherlands 4-0 Argentina? Or Brazil 0-0 Scotland (LOL)? Rivelino even admitted that the Dutch were just too good and that Brazil were no longer the best. As for 66, yes, Pele's exit was sad for football fans but football was a lot more violent on the pitch back then. Stuff that wasn't even a foul then is a red card now.
But if he thought that there was any great friendship between the countries concerned (i.e England - Germany and Netherlands - Germany), he clearly wasn't a student of modern history. The Dutch detested them and it's only recently that the relationship appears to have thawed somewhat. But they have not forgotten how Germany occupied them when they took a position of neutrality. As for 66, Brazil went out in the first round and I don't remember a load of disallowed goals or dodgy decisions. England dominated the final against Germany and were worthy winners. Netherlands would have deserved 74 if they hadn't been so arrogant when 1-0 up, trying to humiliate a superb German team. It is no surprise that England and Germany win a tournament at home. England almost won the Euros in 96 and 2021, and both times were unbeaten (penalties are officially counted as a draw) just like in 66. Home advantage is a big thing and was HUGE back then.
Is this one of those classic "WE would have cheated so you must have done!"? And I'm sorry but the 74 team was NOT the same as 58 or 70.
