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Russia Boss Guus Hiddink Won't Join Socceroos For World Cup

The Dutch maestro won't be teaming up with his former coaching partner in South Africa.

Nov 22, 2009 5:00:12 AM

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Football Federation Australia say they won’t look to bring Russia boss Guus Hiddink into the Socceroos set-up to assist head coach Pim Verbeek ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Having been the man to end Australia’s 32-year World Cup wilderness when he masterminded Australia’s qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Hiddink is held in high regard by Socceoros fans and analysts alike.

His recent failure to guide Russia to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa recently prompted a suggestion from media personality and former player Craig Foster that the FFA should look to lure Hiddink back to the Socceroos.

However, FFA spokeswoman Bonita Mersiades rubbished the suggestions.

''Pim [Verbeek’s] on a contract and FFA is really happy with him. He's got us to the World Cup and we're sitting well in the Asian Cup qualifiers,'' she told the Sun-Herald.

''We don't need another coach. We've got the best coach possible.''

Verbeek guided Australia through two Asian qualifying groups to get to the World Cup, the first including China, Iraq and Qatar and the second including the latter alongside Japan, Uzbekistan and Bahrain.

The Socceroos also remain in a strong position from which to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar, equal first in their group with two matches remaining.

Hiddink's contract with Russia expires at the end of the summer and it is uncertain as to whether he will continue in charge of the Euro 2008 semi-finalists.

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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