Hiddink Rumored to be the Australian National Soccer Team Coach

PSV Eindhoven Coach Guus Hiddink (59), the everlasting “Hero” of Korean soccer fans, visits Korea after two years.

Hiddink comes to Korea to take part in a friendly match with the Korea University OB(Old Boy) team, held as part of an event to celebrate the university’s centenary and the 2005 Peace Cup Korea (July 15 to July 24).

The date for the friendly game with Korea University has not yet to be settled, due to flight scheduling, but the match is very likely to be held on July 13 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. PSV Eindhoven, led by Hiddink, will have its opening match against Seongnam Ilhwa on July 15, and qualifying rounds against Once Caldas (Colombia) on July 17 and Olympique Lyon (France) on July 20.

Meanwhile, some raise a likelihood that Hiddink might become the coach of the Australian national soccer team. On July 8, Dutch soccer magazine Voetbal International reported: “Hiddink recently met with officials from the Australian Football Association (AFA) in the United Kingdom. The Australian Football Association has neither confirmed nor denied the report, raising more doubts.” Hiddink made it clear in his contract with Eindhoven that he could “lead a third qualifier in the face of the 2006 World Cup Games in Germany,” heightening the possibility of moving to the Australian team.

After suffering three defeats in a row in Group A of the Confederation Cup in Germany, which recently came to a close, the Australian Football Association is seeking a new coach of their national team to replace Frank Farina.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com