Van Marwijk’s connection to Caltex Socceroos’ World Cup rival

Bert Van Marwijk will lead the Caltex Socceroos to the 2018 FIFA World Cup where Australia will take on France, Denmark and Peru.

The experienced Dutch coach took the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup Final where his side were defeated by Spain.

Australia won’t have to face ex-World Champions Spain in Russia, but Van Marwijk’s side will take on the 9th-ranked France, Peru, ranked 11th and the 12th-ranked Denmark in Group C.

However, the former Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord and Hamburg coach already has some experience facing one of Australia’s 2018 World Cup rivals.

NETHERLANDS 2–0 DENMARK: 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP

Van Marwijk become the Netherlands coach after Euro 2008, but his first major test came in his team’s first fixture at the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Denmark.

Van Marwijk put out a star-studded line-up – including the likes of Robin van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart, and Wesley Sneijder – but it was a Danish player that handed the Netherlands the breakthrough.

An own goal from Denmark’s Daniel Agger gave Van Marwijk’s side the lead before Dirk Kuyt secured three points when he scored five minutes from full-time.

The Netherlands went on to win their next five matches before eventually falling to 1-0 to Spain in extra-time in the final.

Dirk Kuyt celebrates sealing the Netherlands' win over Denmark.
Dirk Kuyt celebrates sealing the Netherlands' win over Denmark.

NETHERLANDS 0–1 DENMARK: EURO 2012

Two years later, Van Marwijk’s team faced Denmark again in a result that contributed to the Dutchman’s exit from his role.

The Netherlands had cruised through qualifying for Euro 2012, but they were stunned by Denmark in their first game at the tournament.

Despite Van Marwijk playing a strong line up, a single goal from Michael Krohn-Dehli was enough to earn Denmark victory.

The Netherlands went on to lose their next Euro 2012 fixtures to Germany and Portugal and Van Marwijk departed his role.