Kluivert steps in for Hiddink as Curacao coach

WILLEMSTAD: Patrick Kluivert is to step in as acting coach for Curacao in World Cup qualification next month, with Guus Hiddink ruled out as he recovers from COVID-19, the country’s football association said.

Former Dutch international Kluivert, who leaves his job as Barcelona’s youth development head in July, will replace Hiddink for matches away against the British Virgin islands on June 5 and then home to Guatemala four days later. If Curacao win the two matches, they advance to the second stage of CONCACAF qualification for next year’s finals in Qatar, where they will meet either the Dominican Republic or Panama in a two-legged elimination tie on June 12 and 15.