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Johan Cruyff dies at age 68
The Ajax, Barcelona and Netherlands legend had been battling cancer.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Johan Cruyff confirmed that the legendary Dutch footballer, manager and executive had died from cancer at the age of 68. Cruyff was one of the greatest players and managers in the history of Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands. He’s responsible for a big chunk of the skill moves you see players do today, and is thought of as the godfather or Barca’s iconic style of play.
If you want to learn more about Cruyff, we recommend David Winner’s long piece The Church of Cruyff, his book Brilliant Orange, and the book Ajax, Barcelona, Cruyff, which is loaded with interviews of the man himself.
Historical skills of the day
Yesterday, we featured Cruyff’s famous winner against Atlético Madrid. Today, a compilation of his greatest skills.
In the news
Adam Johnson has been sentenced to six years in prison. (ESPN FC)
Raheem Sterling is out six-to-eight weeks, meaning he’ll struggle to return to the pitch this season and make the Euro 2016 squad for England. (BBC)
UEFA is contemplating a total revamp of the structure of Champions League. (Guardian)
Orlando City have added Brazilian Júlio Baptista. (MLS)
We know Louis van Gaal is getting fired because he’s not on a promo video. (Telegraph)
From the rumor mill: Aymeric Laporte to Man City looks likely. (MARCA)
You should be reading
Tim Vickery on Luis Suárez’s return to Uruguay against Brazil. (ESPN FC)
John Duerden on MLS not recruiting from Asia. (Guardian)
Ross Highfield on the career of Giorgio Chinaglia. (These Football Times)
What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)
WCQs: A lot of games -- CONMEBOL games start with Bolivia vs. Colombia at 4 p.m. The main event of the night is Chile vs. Argentina at 7:30 p.m.
Friendly: Italy vs. Spain (3:45 p.m.) -- Expect some experimentation from both.
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