World Cup mandate for Beenhakker

Leo Beenhakker is to carry on as Poland coach until November 2009, with a view to a further extension if he leads his side to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Final qualifiers
Appointed at the start of UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying, the 65-year-old Dutchman has become extremely popular in Poland, with his team topping a tough Group A and needing one win from their final two qualifiers – at home to Belgium and away to Serbia – to reach a first UEFA European Championship.

Huge credit
The contract will see Beenhakker – who has coached AFC Ajax, Real Madrid CF and the Netherlands among others during a 35-year career – take charge until the end of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, with the deal sure to be renewed if he earns a trip to South Africa. Beenhakker has gained huge credit for unearthing talented internationals in domestic football.