Guus Hiddink knows how to lead national teams to big success at the World Cup. After taking three teams to at least the Round of 16 at the last four World Cups, the 63-year-old Dutchman turned down an offer to take over the Ivory Coast national team for the 2010 World Cup to become the head coach of the Turkey national side.
Three World Cup Showings
The first highlight of Hiddink's coaching career came in 1988 when he led PSV Eindhoven to their only European Cup title. He took over the star-studded Dutch national team in 1995 and led them to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup in France, where they lost to Brazil on penalties.
After returning to club football, Hiddink was again drawn to the possibility of a World Cup side in taking over as head coach of the South Korean national team at the start of January 2001. As one of the hosting nations, South Korea grabbed victories over Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain in reaching the semi-finals. But the South Korean run ended with a loss to Germany in the semis.
Hiddink returned to PSV and had loads of success, including the 2005 Champions League semifinals and three Dutch league crowns. In July 2005, Hiddink became the Australian national team coach and guided the Socceroos to the World Cup for the first time in 32 years. At Germany 2006, Australia beat Japan and drew against Croatia to advance past the group stage for the first time in history. But the Aussies' run ended just one game later when Italy won 1-0 on a penalty in the final minute.
Russian National Team For Euro 2008, Failure To Qualify For 2010 World Cup
In April 2006, Hiddink announced that he would be taking over as Russian national team coach. At the Euro2008 in Switzerland and Austria, the Russians beat Holland and defending champions Greece to reach the semifinals, where they lost to eventual champions Spain.
Hiddink decided to extend his deal with Russia for qualification for the 2010 World Cup. The Russians finished second behind Germany in Group 4 of the qualification but were defeated by Slovenia in the qualifying playoff.
Chelsea Coach While With Russia
Hiddink in February 2009 took over as coach of English side Chelsea and took them to the semifinals of the Champions League where they lost to eventual champions Barcelona. Hiddink also guided Chelsea to the FA Cup.
Turning Down Ivory Coast In Favor Of Turkey
There were reports that Hiddink was very close to accepting a deal to coach Ivory Coast at the 2010 World Cup. But the Dutchman turned down the African side to become head coach of Turkey. Hiddink and Turkish football officials agreed to a two-year deal with an option for two more years at about 4 million euro per year. He coached one season in Turkey for club Fenerbahce in 1990-91 - his first coaching post abroad.
Qualify For Euro2012, Support For Euro 2016 Bid
Of course the goal for Hiddink will be to qualify for Euro 2012 in Ukraine-Poland. After taking third place at World Cup 2002, Turkey missed out on the Euro 2004, World Cup 2006 and World Cup 2010 though they reached the semifinals of Euro2008. Turkey's Euro 2012 qualifying group includes Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Germany and Kazakhstan.
Another goal for Hiddink will be to help Turkey in their bid to host the Euro 2016.
David Hein - David Hein is a professional freelance journalist, focusing mainly on Sports, especially international basketball, European soccer and ...
