Australia's coach Pim Verbeek reacts from the sideline during the friendly match between The Netherlands and Australia at the Philips stadium in Eindhoven, southern Netherlands, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. AP Photo/Ermindo Armino
In 1606, an assembly of Dutch explorers embarked on an arduous journey in a bid to find land beyond the boundaries of European settlement.
History suggests the Dutch came into contact with the land area we now know as Western Australia, but dismissed its value and left empty handed.
We have more in common with the Dutch than first thought.
And so history then wrote itself an opening chapter, we let the Poms claim ownership. One may ask what Australia would be like if the Dutch decided to explore the beauty of the east, steering clear of the west.
Well, for starters, our nation would be engulfed by Football (round ball variety) and not cricket.
404 years on, the Dutch are back in Australia, but this time they like what they see.
A country enriched by such fortune history in the footballing arena is carrying the unfashionable Socceroos to heights previously unseen.
It was Guus Hiddink who paved the way for the Dutch contingent, incorporating a unique style of football similar to that seen in The Netherlands. After an unconvincing Graham Arnold stint, Dick Advocaat stepped in, but like the settlers in 1606, was quick to leave with nothing to show.
Dutchman Rob Baan, Australian under 23 coach at the time, was allocated a care-taker role until a replacement was acquired.
Enter Pim Verbeek.
With our second successive World Cup awaiting (both under a Dutchman), Pim has pulled the pin after three years of service to our nation. Alas, we arrive at the present, post South Africa, we say goodbye to the father of our footballing lads.
So who’s next?
A name can’t be stated for sure, but the nationality simply has to be Dutch. They are highly regarded as the most tactical coaches, pride themselves on youth players’ progression and bring the 4-4-3 formation into play, which is a beneficiary in itself to the Socceroos.
Marco Van Basten, Louis van Gaal, Johan Neeskens, Leo Beenhakker and Frank Rijkaard, take your pick?
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