Advocaat, 78, set for World Cup record after Curacao return

Dick Advocaat has made a surprise return as Curacao’s head coach after his successor Fred Rutten resigned just a month out from their World Cup debut.

Advocaat made history last November when the Dutch coach led the Caribbean island to the finals but stepped down three months later because of his daughter’s health.

Following improvements to her situation, reports in the Dutch media suggested that Advocaat was open to returning to his former role.

Gilbert Martina, the president of Curacao’s football federation (FFK), confirmed on Tuesday that Advocaat is back in charge of their national team.

The 78-year-old ex-Rangers and Sunderland boss is set to become the oldest coach in World Cup history.

Throughout Rutten’s short tenure, which included defeats by China and Australia in March, the FFK had been under pressure from players and sponsors to reinstate his compatriot Advocaat.

On Friday, the FFK put its full support behind Rutten, but just three days later, they said the 63-year-old had departed following “open and constructive” talks.

“A climate that damages professional relationships among players and staff must not be allowed to emerge,” read a statement.

“It is prudent to step back. Time is pressing and Curacao must move forward.”

Curacao, the smallest country to qualify for a World Cup, face Germany on 14 June in their Group E opener, with further matches against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

They are Scotland’s final warm-up opponents on home soil before Steve Clarke’s side also head to the finals, with Curacao visiting Hampden Park on 30 May.

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