Sunderland New Manager: 7 Things You Need To Know About Dick Advocaat

6. He Had A Tumultuous Time With The Netherlands

Advocaat has enjoyed two reigns as manager of his home national side, each a rocky, challenging experience. He first took charge prior to the 1994 World Cup, and led his side through an unconvincing (but ultimately successful) qualifying campaign, knocking England out of contention in the process. A major fallout with the talismanic Ruud Gullit had many believing that the manager's stint would not survive to see the tournament itself, but he clung onto his job and led the Netherlands to the quarter finals - where they were knocked out by eventual champions Brazil. Advocaat returned after the Oranje's shocking failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup under the command of Louis van Gaal. He again suffered a difficult qualifying campaign to get to Euro 2004, finally making it through to the tournament proper after a playoff victory over Scotland. Despite making it to the semi-finals (where his side were eliminated by hosts Portugal), Advocaat was again heavily criticised, and forced to resign following immense pressure and death threats.