RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Dutchman Dick Advocaat has stepped aside as manager of Curacao's national team, less than four months before its FIFA World Cup debut.
The 78-year-old said he had decided to prioritize time with his family, with Dutch media citing his daughter's ill health.
"I have always said that family comes before football," Advocaat said in a statement. "This is therefore a natural decision. That said, I will greatly miss Curacao, its people and my colleagues. I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us."
Advocaat, who also had spells in charge of the Netherlands, Belgium and South Korea, among other teams, spent two years as Curacao head coach.
Curacao, a Caribbean island of about 150,000 people, became the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup after the team topped its qualifying group ahead of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.
Advocaat described the feat as the "craziest thing" he had achieved in a coaching career spanning more than 40 years. He would have become the oldest coach in World Cup finals history.
The Curacao Football Federation said Fred Rutten would take over the role with immediate effect.
"His decision commands nothing but respect," federation president Gilbert Martina said. "Dick has made history with our national team. Curacao will always remain grateful to him."
Rutten, a former defender who was capped once for the Netherlands, has managed Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven and Schalke 04 during a 26-year coaching career.
"Dick is an icon in world football," the 63-year-old said. "It is truly an honour to continue his work. I have spoken extensively with him and his staff and will continue along the same path. Curacao can expect the same dedication and commitment from me."
Rutten's first match in charge will be a friendly against Australia in China on March 31.
Curacao will begin its World Cup campaign against Germany in Houston on June 14 before also facing Ecuador and Cote d'Ivoire in Group E. ■
