By David Gold
June 30 – Bert van Marwijk, coach of the Netherlands, has left his post after the country’s poor UEFA European Championship 2012 campaign.
The Dutch exited at the group phase after losing all three games to Denmark, Germany and Portugal.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said in a statement: “On the initiative of Bert van Marwijk, the KNVB and Van Marwijk decided on Wednesday (June 27) to end the coach’s contract with immediate effect.”
The 60-year-old (pictured top) had a deal which was due to run until the next European Championships in 2016.
“I have severe doubts, but have decided to take this step anyway,” Van Marwijk responded, also in a statement.
The 2010 World Cup runners-up had been expected to progress from the Euro 2012 group stage and was tipped by many to win the tournament.
However, Van Marwijk’s system, with two defensive midfielders behind an attacking quartet, proved to be especially insufficient to cope with Denmark and Germany – who both played a more attacking formation – despite the team boasting the stellar talents of winger Arjen Robben, midfielder Wesley Sneijder and striker Robin van Persie (pictured below).
Van Marwijk had been criticised in his homeland despite taking his team to the World Cup final two years ago because of its style of play.
The Netherlands’ 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain is regarded as one of the most ill-tempered World Cup finals in history, with a high kick by Nigel de Jong into the stomach of fellow midfielder Xabi Alonso typifying for many what was an overly aggressive and defensive approach by Van Marwijk’s men.
Triple European Football of the Year Johan Cruyff, the greatest player in the country’s history, was among those who openly criticised the Dutch team that reached the final for its approach.
The Dutch have built a reputation over the years as one of the most flamboyant teams in world football, largely thanks to the Total Football style of the classic 1970s team, spearheaded by Cruyff and based on the great Ajax team which won three European Cups between 1971 and 1973.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) may now opt to appoint a manager who can bring back some of the typically exuberant football of the past.
KNVB chief Bert van Oostveen said: “The KNVB are grateful to Van Marwijk.
“I personally had a very good feeling about our cooperation.
“Of course it is sad to part early, but we must be realistic.”
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