Ever since immigrants from the Netherlands arrived in Australia they have shaped how the sport is played in the country
While the influence of Italian, Greek and Croatian communities on Australian football is well-known the role Dutch immigration and culture has played on the game down under is often overlooked. If you were playing word association Guus Hiddink is perhaps the first Dutch name that springs to mind given his much eulogised success in leading the Socceroos during their breakthrough 2006 World Cup campaign. Hiddink was assisted by Johan Neeskens, goalscorer in the 1974 World Cup final and certified Dutch football royalty. But the Orange influence is much deeper than any individual and spreads across all facets of the game in Australia.
Perhaps driven by the successful marriage of Hiddink and the Socceroos class of 2006, Football Federation Australia appointed the former Holland assistant coach Rob Baan as its technical director in 2006. Baan was responsible for the rolling out of small-sided games across Australia, while the various national youth teams adapted a 4-3-3 formation.
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