Overview
- Dick Advocaat quit with immediate effect on February 23, saying family is more important than football as he turns his attention to his daughter’s health.
- Fred Rutten, the former Schalke and PSV coach, was appointed the same day and pledged to build on Advocaat’s work.
- Under Advocaat, Curaçao qualified for its first World Cup and is the smallest country ever to reach the tournament, with a strong record reported over 19 matches.
- The federation publicly thanked Advocaat for making history with the team, with president Gilbert Martina calling his decision one that must be respected.
- Rutten is set to lead March friendlies in Australia against China on March 27 and the hosts on March 31 before the World Cup opener in Houston on June 14, with Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire also on the group schedule.