
Carolina Marín, sobre su retirada: "Es la mejor decisión que he podido tomar en toda mi carrera deportiva"
Carolina Marín: 'Es la mejor decisión que he tomado en mi carrera'
Dick Advocaat may return as head coach of Curacao after Fred Rutten's resignation just a month before the World Cup. Advocaat previously led Curacao to an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
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Under Dick Advocaat, Curacao went unbeaten through Concacaf qualifying to secure direct entry to the 2026 World Cup [Getty Images]
Dick Advocaat could make a surprise return as head coach of the Curacao national team after his successor Fred Rutten resigned just a month out from their World Cup debut.
Advocaat made history last November when he led the Caribbean island to the finals but stepped down three months later because of his daughter's health.
Throughout Rutten's short tenure, which included defeats to China and Australia in March, Curacao's football federation (FFK) has been under pressure from players and sponsors to reinstate Advocaat.
On Friday, the FFK put its full support behind 63-year-old Rutten, stating he "will represent Curacao as national head coach during the World Cup".
However, just three days later, following "open and constructive" talks, Rutten has departed, saying: "A climate that damages professional relationships among players and staff must not be allowed to emerge. It is prudent to step back. Time is pressing and Curacao must move forward."
Reports in the Dutch media suggest Advocaat, 78, is open to returning to his former role following improvements in his daughter's health.
Should he return, he will become the oldest coach in World Cup history.
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.
Fred Rutten resigned due to pressure from players and sponsors after a series of defeats during his short tenure.
Dick Advocaat led Curacao to an unbeaten record in Concacaf qualifying, securing their direct entry to the 2026 World Cup.
Dick Advocaat stepped down due to his daughter's health issues three months after leading the team to the finals.

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