Just one month before the World Cup kicks off, Germany’s Group opponent Curacao has made a surprising coaching change. Dick Advocaat is back as national team coach, making him the oldest manager ever to lead a team at a World Cup finals.
Following Fred Rutten’s brief tenure with the Caribbean nation, Germany’s opening opponent at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19) has turned to Advocaat, who recently resigned from the same role.
Sources indicate that several influential figures in Curacao pushed for this move. Major sponsors had reportedly named Advocaat as their preferred candidate for some time. As a result, just one month before the biggest matches in the federation’s history, Curacao has executed a remarkable reversal.
Disappointing Friendlies Trigger Change
The catalyst came on Monday when Rutten decided to step down. “There must be no climate that undermines healthy professional relationships within the team and coaching staff,” the 63-year-old said in a federation statement. “Therefore, it is advisable to resign.” He added, “Time is of the essence, and Curacao must move forward.”
Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, will play its first match against Germany on June 14 in Houston. That game against the four-time world champions is the culmination of a dream journey that Advocaat himself once made possible.
Advocaat led Curacao to a stunning World Cup qualification last year but resigned in February to care for his seriously ill daughter. Following disappointing friendly losses to China (0-2) and Australia (1-5), criticism of successor Rutten grew louder, and calls for Advocaat’s return intensified.
Federation President Confirms via SMS
On Tuesday, federation president Gilbert Martina confirmed via text message to AFP that Advocaat would return. His daughter’s health has reportedly improved, removing any personal obstacles to his World Cup involvement.
At 78 years old, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach coach will surpass Otto Rehhagel (72 at the 2010 World Cup) as the oldest manager at a World Cup. This will be Advocaat’s third World Cup as a national team coach. He led the Netherlands in 1994 and coached South Korea in 2006.