'An amazing human being': tributes flow for former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek
Mark Schwarzer has led tributes to former Socceroos World Cup coach Pim Verbeek who died late on Thursday night four years after being diagnosed with cancer.
The 63-year-old was appointed in 2007 after compatriot Dick Advocaat back-flipped on taking the role. Schwarzer, who played in every game of the 2010 World Cup under Verbeek posted a heartfelt tribute on Twitter to mark the passing of the Dutchman.
“Very sad and heartbreaking news today of Pim Verbeek’s passing,”
Schwarzer wrote. “He was an amazing human being, a true gentleman with an infectious smile. Someone I have had the privilege to call a friend. You will never be forgotten. My condolences to the Verbeek family.”
Former Socceroos captain Tim Cahill was among others to pay their respects to Verbeek. “So sad to lose such a gentleman and someone who I respected a lot as a manager and person,” Cahill wrote on Twitter.
FFA chairman Chris Nikou expressed his condolences to Verbeek’s family and friends.
“The thoughts and sympathies of everyone in Australia’s football community are with Pim Verbeek’s nearest and dearest at this difficult time,” Nikou said.
“Pim made a great mark on Australian football and is fondly remembered by the people that worked closely with him, many members of the media, as well as the public.
“Pim’s record as coach of the Socceroos can only be looked back on as strong, however the outpouring of sincere sentiments since news of his passing filtered through last night highlights the esteem in which he was kept by many.”
Former Australia international Rob Cornthwaite, who made his international debut under Verbeek, recalled a moment of kindness from Verbeek at a team meeting.
“Saddened to hear the passing of Pim Verbeek,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Gave me my Socceroos debut. Once I was late to a team meeting and I apologised. After the meeting he put his arm around me and gave me a cheeky smile saying “don’t be late again” he was a kind man.
Verbeek was recommended to Football Federation Australia by former Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink, who he had employed as an assistant coach when leading South Korea to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.
The former Sparta Rotterdam player took over just weeks before Australia began their qualifying campaign
for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It was the first time the Socceroos would attempt to reach the finals via Asia, but they achieved it with ease, conceding just one goal in the final round of qualifying thanks to a 0-0 draw against Qatar with two games to spare.
Despite securing a spot at a second successive World Cup, Verbeek’s playing style was accused of being too conservative and he was criticised for his dismissive views about the quality of players in the A-League.
A powerful Germany outfit that would go on to reach the semi-finals hammered Verbeek’s side 4-0 in a disastrous opening match in Durban that also saw Tim Cahill sent-off. A 1-1 draw with Ghana left the Socceroos needing to beat Serbia in their final match to have any chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages.
Goals from Brett Holman and Cahill did secure a 2-1 victory but other results went against Verbeek’s side and they missed out on goal difference to bring the coach’s reign to a frustrating finish.
Verbeek began his coaching career with Dutch giants Feyenoord in 1989, followed by spells with Groningen and Fortuna Sittard. He then moved to Japan to become head coach of Omiya Ardija before linking up with Hiddink in South Korea.
Verbeek returned to Seoul after the 2006 World Cup to become head coach, and led South Korea to third place at the Asian Cup in 2007 before stepping down. After leaving the Socceroos Verbeek spent the next four years managing Morocco’s Under-23 team.
His final job in the game came in 2016 as the coach of Oman. Verbeek picked up his first trophy as a coach, winning the 2017-18 Gulf Cup title.