Cruyff's coaching career ends with Nigeria draw

Jan 3, 2013 12:30:00 AM

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.

Inside Goal.Com

Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
Who will start for Kenya against Nigeria in Oliech's absence?
Goal.com reviews Adel Amrouche’s striking options ahead of the June 5 contest, which Kenya must win if they hope to reach the finals to be staged in Brazil
Kenya coach accuses Logarusic of sabotage
Amrouche is at loggerheads with Gor Mahia coach Zdravko Logarusic, whom he accuses of refusing to release the clubs' players to train with the national team
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way