KNVB 'saddened' by death of former Israel international
The KNVB is saddened by the passing of Rinus Israël, the association announced on its website. The Feyenoord icon played 47 times for the Dutch national team in the sixties and seventies and was also active as assistant to national coach Guus Hiddink at the 1994 World Cup after his football career.
The association has placed a long in memoriam on its website highlighting the career of Israël, who has just turned 83. "The central defender with excellent insight", is what can be read about the player, who gained fame as 'Iron Rinus' with Feyenoord.
Israël made his debut for Oranje in 1964 in an away match against Belgium. At that time he was still playing for DWS from Amsterdam. In 1966 he transferred to Feyenoord. He experienced the World Cup in 1974 as a substitute.
"To only talk about his nickname would be to do the footballer Rinus Israël an injustice. Few players could give such a beautiful long pass. He ruled the air, both offensively and defensively he was very strong with his head."
RTL Nieuws
