FORMER Australia and South Korea manager Pim Verbeek has died aged 63 after a cancer battle.
The Dutchman led the Socceroos to the 2010 World Cup and remains the last manager to win a World Cup game with the Aussies.
Former Australia and South Korea manager Pim Verbeek has died aged 63 after a cancer battleCredit: Reuters
Tributes have poured in from around the world for the man who also managed South Korea and had a short playing career with Sparta Rotterdam between 1974 and 1980.
Having retired from playing Verbeek was employed in various roles in Holland’s Eredivisie – including a spell as Feyenoord manager – for most of the 80s and 90s before heading to Japan where he managed Omiya Ardija and Kyoto Sanga FC.
The Dutchman was eventually hired by the (South) Korea Football Association as manager of the under-23 side in 2005 and worked his way up to first-team manager in 2006.
Verbeek led the South Korean team to third place in the 2007 Asian Cup, after previously serving as an assistant manager under Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, respectively.
Having resigned from the post, Verbeek took over the Australian national team in 2007 and guided them through the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with ease.
His record as the last manager to win a World Cup game with the Socceroos has stood since they beat Serbia 2-1 in their final group stage game at the tournament in South Africa.
Unfortunately for Verbeek, the team containing ex-Premier League stars Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer missed out on qualification for the knock-out stage on goal difference.
Verbeek’s last role was as manager of the Oman national team – a position he held from 2016 until February this year.
Verbeek’s last role was as manager of the Oman national team – a position he held from 2016 until February this yearCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Dutchman led Oman to the biggest result in their history when they beat Turkmenistan 3-1 to reach the knock-out stage of the AFC Asian CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
Young Sheffield United fan in tears as she hands Mousset his MOTM award from Man Utd draw but he gives it to her as a present
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
