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Reportedly, veteran Dutch head coach Dick Advocaat has reversed his decision to quit his role as Curacao head coach, and will now lead the tiny nation into this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Advocaat resigned his role in February to help care for his daughter, who is battling cancer.
A month later, the former Netherlands boss took on an advisory role at Feyenoord, working alongside head coach Robin van Persie, who was a member of his coaching staff at the Dutch giants in 2020.
A turnaround of his decision
According to Advocaat’s assistant Cor Pot, he has decided to reverse his decision due to his daughter thankfully reacting well to her first course of chemotherapy treatment.
Advocaat had done an incredible job with the Curacao national team, guiding them to their first-ever World Cup appearance, just four months before stepping down from his role.
According to the Dutch media, the Curacao squad learned that Advocaat’s daughter’s condition had improved significantly last month. On hearing the news, the Curacao squad pushed for the reinstatement of the former boss as the national team boss, as Advocaat’s replacement and compatriot Fred Rutten had stepped down from the role.
The Curacao Football Federation decided to block Advocaat’s return last month. However, due to pressure from the players, the Dutchman will return to the job.
Advocaat and his team will make history at World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup will be a historic moment for Curacao and its veteran boss. Curacao is the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, with a population of around 150,000 and will be making its debut in the competition this summer.
It’s not just Curacao making history at the tournament, though, as Advocaat himself will make history by becoming the oldest manager in the history of the competition at 78. The scenario is not ideal for the team’s World Cup preparations after reported upheaval behind the scenes.
However, Advocaat has the experience and the players’ respect, which should stand him in good stead this summer.