knowing a draw would be enough netherlands refrained from taking chances in the second half. against the run of play west germany were awarded a soft free-kick, the dutch were complaining with the referee and did not keep their concentration erich beer crossed for dieter müller to power in a header. the goal gave the netherlands the momentum to score though and eight minutes from time rené van de kerkhof took a pass from his twin brother willy, cut inside a defender and smashed home. there would be a few more chances as johnny rep hit the woodwork and schrijvers was forced to save from beer.