Advocaat to start Dutch rescue mission in June

The New York Times 19:30 - 23 May 2017

Fenerbahce's Dutch head coach Dick Advocaat looks on during the Turkish Spor Toto Super Lig football match between Besiktas and Fenerbahce at the Vodafone arena stadium in Istanbul, on May 7, 2017

The 69-year-old is returning for a third spell in charge of the Netherlands, who are fourth in Group A ahead of the visit of minnows Luxembourg in just over a fortnight.

"Dick Advocaat will join the Dutch XI on Tuesday, June 6," the Royal Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) said in a statement.

"The team, which will be preparing for their World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg will also be joined by assistant coach Ruud Gullit," it added.

Advocaat and former Ballon d'Or winner Gullit were drafted in on a "short-term" rescue mission by the Dutch federation earlier this month, with the pair signing contracts through until the end of the year.

Advocaat, a renowned disciplinarian, replaced Danny Blind after he was sacked in March following a 2-0 defeat in Bulgaria.

The shock defeat left the three-time World Cup runners-up facing the prospect of failing to qualify for next year's finals in Russia, having also missed out on Euro 2016.

The Dutch trail group leaders France by six points after five matches, with only the top team guaranteed a place in Russia.

Sweden and Bulgaria are also ahead of the Netherlands in the race for second place and a possible play-off berth.

However Advocaat will not be in the dugout for friendlies against Morocco and the Ivory Coast, on May 31 and June 4, as he is finishing the season with Turkish club Fenerbahce.