World Cup manager QUITS just four months before the tournament to care for his sick daughter

Curacao manager Dick Advocaat has resigned from his role, just three months after helping them to become the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup.

Advocaat, 78, has made the decision in order to care for his daughter, who is ‘experiencing serious health problems’, as per Dutch outlet AD.

The hugely experienced Dutch coach, who has led the likes of Rangers, Sunderland, Fenerbahce and eight countries – including three spells in charge of the Netherlands – explained the decision in a statement. 

‘I’ve always said that family comes before football,’ Advocaat said. ‘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.’ 

Curacao became the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup back in November

Advocaat will be replaced by another experienced Dutch coach in Fred Rutten with immediate effect.   

The 78-year-old missed the decisive World Cup qualifying match against Jamaica in Kingston in November after being forced to return home because his wife was ill.

Advocaat was later said to burst into tears in front of the TV as his side drew 0-0 to make history.

Curacao has a population of just over 150,000, a similar number to Cambridge, while its land area of 171 square miles is smaller than the Isle of Man. 

The previous smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup was Iceland in 2018.

Curacao have been drawn against Germany, Ecuador and the Ivory Coast at this summer’s tournament, but despite the late change in the dugout, Advocaat was already able to sort out their preparations.

The Dutch coach travelled to the US in recent months and decided to base Curacao at Boca Raton, a coastal city near Miami.

He is understood to have wanted his squad – which includes former Premier League stars Tahith Chong, Jurgen Locadia, Juninho and Leandro Bacuna – to enjoy the experience of competing at a World Cup.

Ahead of the tournament, Curacao take on China, Australia and Scotland in friendlies and Rutten expressed his excitement for what is in store, while also making sure to pay tribute to his predecessor. 

‘I consider it an honour to continue his work,’ Rutten said. ‘I will continue in his line. 

‘This is sad for Dick, but Curacao can expect the same commitment from me.’