Van Basten named new Dutch coach

[Salem6]

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Marco van Basten is the new Netherlands coach after the Dutch football association (KNVB) announced that they had reached an agreement.



Van Basten, the former Dutch international striker, will replace Dick Advocaat who resigned days after the Netherlands lost 2-1 in the Euro 2004 semi-final to hosts Portugal.

The KNVB said on Thursday they had finalised a deal with Van Basten and his assistant John van 't Schip and they will be presented officially at a news conference on Monday.


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[Salem6]

Van Basten lands Dutch job


Van Basten won the 1988 European Championship with Holland


Marco Van Basten has been confirmed as the new Holland coach.
The 39-year-old Ajax reserve coach replaces Dick Advocaat who resigned after Holland lost to Portugal in the Euro 2004 semi-finals.

Van Basten, who claimed the European player of the year award three times, has reportedly signed a deal which will take him to 2008.

The Dutch football association (KNVB) has confirmed that Ajax's John van't Schip will be van Basten's assistant.

Van't Schip, who was also on the coaching staff at Ajax, played for the Amsterdam club, Genoa and Holland as a midfielder, earning 41 caps for his country.

Van Basten was one of the leading lights of Dutch football before a knee injury forced him to end his playing career in 1995.


The former Ajax and AC Milan striker made his debut for Holland against Iceland in 1983 and went on to score 24 goals in 58 appearances.

His goals helped Holland claim European Championship glory in 1988.

Van Basten is the second national coach from the 1988 team after Frank Rijkaard, who was in charge of the Dutch squad between 1998 and 2000.

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