Guus Hiddink helps prepare Australia for the World Cup in Qatar: ‘He can tell great stories’ | World Cup football

“Guus can tell great stories, so I’m very curious to see what influence he has on the current generation of Australian football players,” says Arnold.

Hiddink led Australia as national coach to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The Socceroos took part there for the first time in 32 years in the global final round and even reached the eighth finals, in which they lost to the later world champion Italy (0-1). Arnold, former player of Roda JC and NAC Breda, among others, was Hiddink’s assistant at the time.

“I had a great time in Australia”, says Hiddink, who recently stepped down as technical director of the national football association of Curaçao. ,,When I talk to people about my career, my experiences with the Socceroos discussed. I am looking forward to going back to Australia.”

In principle, it concerns a short return from Hiddink. He replaces compatriot René Meulensteen, Arnold’s regular assistant who will stay in Europe during the international match in September to watch the World Cup opponents France and Denmark.

Australia and New Zealand will play each other twice in four days: on September 22 in Brisbane and on September 25 in Auckland. For Australia, the game in its own country serves as a ‘goodbye match’ for the World Cup. New Zealand has not qualified for the tournament at the end of this year in Qatar.

,,We are very happy that Guus Hiddink has accepted our invitation,” said Arnold. ,,This is a great opportunity for the fans to thank Guus for his commitment to Australian football in 2005 and 2006. I also think that his presence will inspire the players. They are all fighting for a place in the World Cup squad. Many of our boys know what Guus has accomplished internationally, but have never had the chance to meet him.”

For the agenda: this is the complete schedule of the World Cup