3 minute read
Fast facts about former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek's career.
FORMER SOCCEROOS COACH PIM VERBEEK'S CAREER AT A GLANCE
* Verbeek spent his entire on-field professional career playing for Dutch team Sparta Rotterdam between 1974 and 1980, before retiring at just 25.
* He took up coaching after retiring as a player and managed Feyenoord, Groningen and Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands and Omiya Ardija in Japan.
* As an assistant to Guus Hiddink, he coached South Korea during the 2002 World Cup, and again under Dick Advocaat during the 2006 World Cup.
* Verbeek took over from Guus Hiddink as coach of the Socceroos in 2007 just weeks before the World Cup qualifiers began, after Dick Advocaat backed out at the last minute.
* In his first qualifier as coach, he led Australia to a 3-0 win over Qatar at home.
* The Socceroos became the second team to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after a draw against Qatar in June 2009.
* Australia lost their opening 2010 World Cup match against Germany 4-0, drew with Ghana 1-1 in their second group game and beat Serbia 2-1 in the last match. They didn't progress from the group stage after being edged out on goal difference by Ghana.
* Verbeek coached Australia in 33 games, for 18 wins, nine draws and six losses.
* He left soon after the 2010 World Cup and coached Morocco's U23 side for four years.
* He then coached Oman to win the Gulf Cup and advance to the last 16 stage of the Asian Cup - a first for the team.
* Verbeek retired from coaching in February 2019 and took up a position on Sparta Rotterdam's board.
