AMSTERDAM – Dick Advocaat, the veteran Dutch coach who masterminded Curaçao’s historic first-ever World Cup qualification, resigned Monday as manager, prioritizing his daughter’s health just months before the finals.
Fred Rutten, a 63-year-old former Netherlands international with stints at Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven and Schalke 04, steps in to lead the Caribbean island nation population 150,000, into the tournament, the Curaçao Football Federation announced.”Family comes before football,” the 78-year-old Advocaat said in a statement. “This is a natural decision. I will greatly miss Curaçao, its people and my colleagues. Qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup is one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board.
“Advocaat, whose near-40-year managerial career includes stints with the Netherlands, Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg, called guiding the Dutch kingdom territory to the global showpiece the “craziest thing” he has achieved. He would have been the oldest coach in World Cup finals history.
Curaçao Football Federation president Gilbert Martina hailed the decision: “It commands nothing but respect. Dick has made history with our national team. Curaçao will always remain grateful to him.
“Rutten, who earned one cap for the Netherlands as a player, takes over amid sympathy for Advocaat. “It’s a difficult time for Dick, and I wish him and his family strength,” Rutten said. “Dick is an icon in world football. It’s an honour to continue his work. I’ve spoken extensively with him and his staff, Curaçao can expect the same dedication from me.
“Rutten’s first assignment comes in March, when Curaçao face Australia and China in a mini-tournament Down Under. Their World Cup proper kicks off in Group E against Germany in Houston on June 14.