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Dutch World Cup final scorer Nanninga passes away

Xinhua, July 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Dutch international Dick Nanninga, who scored in the 1978 World Cup final, died at the age of 66 in the Belgian hospital of Maaseik on Tuesday.

Nanninga had struggled with health problems for a few years. His left leg had to be amputated following effects of diabetes in 2012 and shortly afterwards he got into a coma, only to come out five months later years. Two years later he also lost his right leg.

Nanninga was recently hospitalized with fever in Maaseik and he did not return to his home in the Belgian village Neeroeteren.

His moment of fame came on June 25, 1978 in the World Cup final against Argentina in Buenos Aires. After coming on as a substitute he headed in the equalizer for the Dutch in the 82nd minute. Due to the 1-1 score extra time was needed, in which the Netherlands lost 3-1.

In total Nanninga was active in fifteen matches for the Dutch national team, in which he scored six times. During his professional club career the striker, who had heading as his specialty, played for BV Veendam, Roda JC Kerkrade, Seiko Hong Kong and MVV Maastricht. Endit