Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Netherlands familiar sea of orange will be missing from the stands at the FIFA World Cup 2018 but there will, nevertheless, be a Dutch flavour in Russia, following last month’s announcement of Bert van Marwijk as Australia coach.
While Van Marwijk will be just one of numerous international coaches featuring in Russia, the appointment continues a clear theme. Van Marwijk will be Australia’s third Dutch coach in four World Cups following in the footsteps of compatriots Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek. The past decade also saw two Dutch technical directors appointed at Australia’s national federation.
That surface-level connection between the two countries runs deeper than first appears, and is one that dates back decades. Post-WWII migration from Europe led to a boom in football Down Under and, of course, Dutch immigrants brought their favourite game. Clubs such as Hollandia, Wilhelmina, and the quirkily named Windmills could be found in Australia’s various cities.
One ultimately stood out above all. Brisbane Lions competed in the former National Soccer League, and their direct descendent, Brisbane Roar, are now prominent in the A-League. The club still plays in orange and even their logo loosely resembles that of the Netherlands Football Association.