Hiddink accepts Australia challenge
Friday, July 22, 2005
Article summary
PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink will take charge of Australia with the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals the aim.
Article body
Germany aim
The 58-year-old will attempt to help the country qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, starting with a training camp next month in the Netherlands. He will remain at the helm until after next summer's finals in Germany, should they qualify. To do so, Australia must beat the Solomon Islands in a two-legged tie in September and then overcome the fifth-placed South American side over two legs in November.
'Distinguished career'
Frank Lowy, Football Federation Australia chairman, said: "The Hiddink appointment is the best possible response to our immediate need. He has had a distinguished career and his record speaks for itself. We could not have hoped for a more qualified, internationally-recognised coach to lead us on the road to Germany."
Plenty of success
Hiddink, who replaces Frank Farina, will continue to coach PSV having won his fifth Dutch title with the club last season as well as guiding them to the last four of the UEFA Champions League. The former Real Madrid CF and Netherlands trainer also took charge of the Korean Republic at the last World Cup, steering them to the semi-finals.
