Dick Advocaat will lead Curaçao to their first World Cup and become the oldest manager in the tournament's history after returning to the job. The 78-year-old Dutchman was in charge when the Caribbean island nation reached the finals but resigned three months later due to his daughter's health.
Advocaat's Return Confirmed
The president of the Curaçao Football Federation (FFK), Gilbert Martina, confirmed the news: 'Advocaat is returning.' His compatriot Fred Rutten had taken over but resigned on Monday after a turbulent period.
Rutten's Departure
Under Rutten, Curaçao suffered two heavy friendly defeats in March, losing 5-1 to Australia and 2-0 to China. The FFK said Rutten, 63, stepped down after 'constructive discussions' amid alleged pressure from players and the federation's main sponsor for Advocaat's return, with his daughter's health having improved.
Climate of Undermining
Initially, Martina refused to consider a change, issuing a strong statement of support for Rutten. However, the Dutch-born coach saw the writing on the wall. Martina later denied any player plot, stating: 'After it became known that Advocaat's daughter was better, a very negative campaign was launched in the press in which Rutten was cast in a bad light. But the players have denied those negative statements.'
Rutten called Martina on Sunday to say he felt it best to step down. 'A climate must not arise that undermines healthy professional relations, within both the squad and the staff. That is why it is wise to step down,' Rutten said in a written statement. Martina then contacted Advocaat on Monday, reaching an agreement on Tuesday for his return.
Historical Achievement
Under Advocaat, Curaçao qualified for the World Cup for the first time, though the experienced coach missed the decisive match against Jamaica last November due to his daughter's health. Curaçao, with a population of just over 180,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, will be the smallest country to compete at the World Cup. They have been drawn in Group E and will face Ecuador, Germany, and Côte d'Ivoire at the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Advocaat's World Cup Record
This will be Advocaat's third World Cup finals. He previously led the Netherlands at the 1994 World Cup, also in the US, and South Korea in 2006. At 78, he easily surpasses the record of the previous oldest coach, German Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years and 317 days old when he guided Greece against Argentina in their last group game at the 2010 finals in South Africa.
