1995 Toyota Cup - Ajax v Gremio

AC Milan are widely acknowledged as the best European Side of the 90's, but their early  dominance of the decade was ended by one of the most exciting sides to grace European Football for years. In Holland, Ajax had young side full of attacking intent that would go on to become World Champions.
It was a side littered with names that would go on to play at the highest level for many seasons to come in all positions.
The Dutch outfit could boast Edwin Van Der Sar in goal, who would still be regarded as one of Europe's best Keepers 2 decades later, winning a Champions League 13 years after doing so at Ajax. In front of Van Der Sar were the legendary de Boer bothers, Frank and Ronald, with the midfield boasting Edgar Davids who would collect numerous titles and was one of the best aggressive midfielders of his generation. Alongside him was Clarence Seedorf, a winner of 3 European Cups with 3 different sides. In attack was one of Europes hottest talents in Patrick Kluivert, who had scored the winner in the Champions League against Milan aged just 18.

Ajax had already won the Dutch Championship for the 2nd successive season, and did so in style, not losing a game all season and added the Domestic Cup for good measure.
Any doubts that they could extend their dominance to the European stage, were soon cast aside as they marched to the Champions League final unbeaten, beating holders AC Milan 2v0 home and away, and then beat them again in the Final.

Their opponents in Tokyo would be Gremio, winning the South American Championship for the second time following a 4v2 aggregate win over Colombia's Atletico Nacional. It is estimated that between 300,00 - 500,000 fans greeted their side as they returned home to Port Alegre from the 2nd leg in Colombia.
Like Ajax, it was glorious period for the side winning domestic trophies in a side that boasted attacking talent such as a young Mario Jardel who would go on to become one of Europe's top strikers. Jardel would form a great partnership with Paulo Nunes, under the management of the legendary Phil Scolari.
But Gremio was known for their work ethic, and this was to be evident in their tightly contested match with the Dutch side.


Tokyo, Japan - Ajax 0v0 Gremio (Ajax won 4v3 on pens)

The South American side defended resolutely which contributed to a scoreline of 0v0 at half time with few opportunities foe either side. As the match wore on Ajax looked increasingly dangerous and should have taken the lead when a loose header from Gremio fell to Kluivert, The Ajax striker was cynically taken down by Gremio's Rivarola, but the loose ball fell to Litmanen who inexplicably could only produce a tame finish at the Gremio keeper. There would be some consolation for the Dutch side however, as Gremio's Rivarola was sent off for the challenge, having picked up a 2nd yellow card.

Despite the numerical disadvantage Gremio almost took the lead after a goalmouth scramble following a set-piece, but the normally prolific Jardel dragged his shot wide. Kluivert came close to opening the scoring as his header hit the bar, but Gremio continued to look dangerous on the break and again Jardel spurned a golden opportunity for his side as he poked an effort wide.

Extra time would see clear cut chances at a premium despite Ajax pressure, so the tie had to be settled from the penalty spot. The first 3 spot kicks were unsuccessful, but Ronald de Boer would score the 4th to give Ajax the early advantage in the shoot-out. There would be no more mistakes from the spot and it was left to Danny Blind to score the winner and seal the win for Ajax.

Ajax would continue their period of success, going on to win a third Dutch Championship and reach another Champions League Final, this time losing out on penalties. But transfer fees and wages were spiraling in countries such as Italy and Spain and Ajax's masters would be lured abroad as a great team were ripped apart. To make it worse the new Bosman ruling meant that players could run down their contract and leave for nothing with Reiziger, Bogarde, Davids and Kluivert exploiting the new rule, as the players departed with no financial compensation for Ajax. Manager Luis Van Gaal also departed, leaving to join Barcelona and taking the de Boer brothers, Jari Litmanen, Winston Bogarde and Kluivert with him. Others would leave for other Clubs and by the turn of the Millennium none of the starting line up against Gremio were still at Ajax.