Dick Advocaat will become the oldest manager in World Cup history when he leads Curaçao against Germany on 14 June, aged 78. The Dutchman, who previously managed Rangers, returns to Glasgow for a friendly against Scotland on Saturday before heading to the tournament in North America.
Advocaat, who first led Curaçao to World Cup qualification but resigned in February due to a family health matter, was reappointed this month. 'I didn't expect to be playing against Scotland with Curaçao, so that is a surprise,' he said. 'The goal was to qualify for the Gold Cup a year ago, and we did it. From that moment on, they started believing even more.'
Curaçao, ranked 82nd in the world, are not favourites, but Advocaat noted that 'people who aren't favourites can surprise'. He added: 'We are not the favourites, we know this when we start. Today, you can even go on [to the next round] with two or three points.'
Reflecting on his age, Advocaat said: 'I don't care because I don't feel that age. I have definitely changed a lot. There are things that normally under me would not be possible that are possible. That has to do with the squad – they are paid amateurs and you can see it.'
Advocaat, who has repeatedly said he will quit, admitted: 'You must have a little bit of luck that people still want you at this age. If they don't ask any more, you are finished. I still get the phone calls, which makes it difficult to refuse.' He added that after the World Cup, 'normally, I will stop.'
