Cruyff's coaching career ends with Nigeria draw

Jan 2, 2013 9:30:00 PM

The former Netherlands attacker was unable to bring the curtain down with a win after his Catalunya side were denied by a second-half equaliser from the West Africans

Johan Cruyff has retired from football management as planned following Catalunya's 1-1 draw with Nigeria at Espanyol's Estadi Cornella El Prat on Wednesday evening.

Sergio Gonzalez netted a seventh-minute penalty but an excellent breakaway goal from US-based Bright Dike denied the 65-year-old from overseeing a victory in his farewell game.

Cristian Tello squandered a last-minute chance for a Catalan side, who featured the likes of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Bojan.

Cruyff is a legend in the north east region of Spain, particularly synonymous with Espanyol's local rivals Barcelona, the side he famously led to their first European Cup in 1992.

In an eight-year spell in the Camp Nou dugout, the former playmaker also led Barcelona to four consecutive liga titles between 1991 and 1994.

Cruyff also collected silverware in a three-year stint as coach of Ajax between 1985 and 1988.

The star of Netherlands' run to the 1974 World Cup final also enjoyed a decorated playing career with both Barcelona and Ajax, winning the Ballon d'Or three times.

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