Olivier Giroud picked the wrong time to score his 14th goal for France’s national team.
The France striker scored against the Netherlands on Friday in the 13th minute of their exhibition soccer game; just moments before the Amsterdam Arena, and perhaps the entire soccer world, paused to honor Johan Cruyff with a minute’s applause.
Cryuff died Thursday at age 68 after losing his battle with cancer, and the Netherlands’ soccer federation announced it would halt the game in the 14th minute (the jersey number Cruyff wore during his playing career) so that home fans could honor his legacy.
Giroud’s goal gave France a 2-0 lead. We have to think Cruyff, an innovator and protector of attacking soccer, would understand Giroud’s motivations as purely business and nothing personal.
Thumbnail photo via Peter Dejong/Associated Press
