Critics force Advocaat to quit Holland

SOCCER/ Euro 2004 Fall-out: Dick Advocaat has quit as Netherlands coach following a heavily-criticised European Championship campaign in which he led his side to the semi-finals.

"Despite reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2004, it is Advocaat's opinion that there is insufficient basis to serve out his running contract which will expire after the World Cup of 2006," the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said yesterday. "We respect the decision and will convene about his successor."

A new coach will be announced before August 18th, when the Dutch are due to play a friendly away to Sweden, the KNVB added.

The Dutch reached the last four of Euro 2004 last week when they lost 2-1 to hosts Portugal but Advocaat was criticised throughout the tournament.

He came under fire from his own players and the Dutch media and was booed by fans for his tactics and substitutions in the 3-2 defeat by the Czech Republic, a result that threatened to end Dutch participation in the tournament at the group stage.

The Dutch squeezed through in second place from Group D, after the Czechs, who had already won the group, beat Germany 2-1 to send the Germans out.

Advocaat, who took charge of the Dutch side for a second time in 2002 and extended his contract in February, said after the quarter-final victory over Sweden that personal abuse directed at him had gone too far.

"I know that in my job there is always criticism and I accept that. But some people violated every rule of decent behaviour without realising what their pronouncements meant to the people back home," he said.

"It all went much too far. When people talk about stoning and hanging you, I don't find that normal any more. In such an atmosphere you can hardly work any more."

The 56-year-old started his coaching career in amateur football, before graduating to become assistant national coach under Rinus Michels.

He later took charge and guided the Netherlands to the World Cup finals in 1994 but stepped aside later that year. He has had successful spells in club football with PSV Eindhoven and Rangers.

Meanwhile, the Dutch international defender Michael Reiziger has joined Premier League club Middlesbrough on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old right back, who was part of the Netherlands squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2004, was available on a free transfer from Barcelona after his contract with the Spaniards expired at the end of last season.

"I am excited by the prospect of playing in England which has one of the toughest leagues in the world but it is the excitement of the games which is so different to other countries that also appeals to me," Reiziger said yesterday.

The Dutchman rejected an offer to join Spanish champions and UEFA Cup holders Valencia for a chance to play in England and becomes manager Steve McClaren's first major summer signing.

"Valencia were banging on my door but I chose Boro because I talked to them and they gave me a good feeling that I could make it my home and that they shared my ambition to reach the highest possible level.

"And playing in the Premier League is something I feel you should do as a footballer," he added.

Portugal midfielder Deco signed a four-year deal with Barcelona yesterday after breezing through a medical.

Barcelona medical staff said the 26-year-old, part of the Portugal team that lost to Greece in Sunday's Euro 2004 final, was in fine condition with no evidence of any after-effects from a knee injury he suffered three years ago.

"You can tell he has been playing competitive football up until two days ago because he's in very good physical shape," said chief of medical staff Jordi Ardevol. "His knee is in perfect condition and you can tell what sort of player he is because of the very good stamina he showed in the tests."

Spanish sports media said Barcelona had agreed to pay Porto E12 million plus Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma in exchange for the Brazilian-born playmaker.

Deco was in upbeat mood when he arrived in Barcelona on Monday, ahead of the medical. "I want to send a clear message to the Barca fans," he said.

He is the fourth new player to join Barcelona since the club finished second to Valencia in the Primera Liga last season.

They have already spent a combined total of about E11 million on Brazil international defender Juliano Belletti from Villarreal and French midfielder Ludovic Giuly from Monaco.