Hiddink has stadium named after him in South Korea
The World Cup stadium in Gwangju, where South Korea qualified for the semi-finals, was renamed Guus Hiddink Stadium in his honour shortly after the tournament.
Gwangju World Cup Stadium was opened in 2001 on November 13th. It has the capacity of 44,118 seats which is massive compared to other football stadiums. The stand of the stadium followed the example of the Korean traditional folk game known as ‘Kossaum Nori’. Also, the gently curved roof was modeled by the mountain ‘Mudeung’. Therefore, Gwangju World Cup Stadium is very impressive in that its architecture is inspired by Korean tradition and culture.
The Stadium is also known as ‘the Guus Hiddink Stadium’. The stadium was named ‘the Guus Hiddink Stadium’ in order to honor the coach ‘Guus Hiddink’ who was a legendary coach for South Korean national football team. In 2002 World Cup, Guus Hiddink helped the team to advance to semi-final for the first time in the history. For this reason, Korean people love Guus Hiddink.
Gwangju World Cup Stadium is also a place where historical matches have been taken. It was used in the 2002 FIFA World Cup matches for Spain vs. Slovenia, China vs. Costa Rica and Spain vs. South Korea. In this stadium, South Korean team defeated Spanish football team and advanced to the semi-final. At that time, defeating Spanish team was predicted as impossible. However, this stadium witnessed a miracle.
Besides the Gwangju World Cup Stadium, there is a beautiful theme park where you can stroll. There is a nice strolling course that is surrounded with trees and 20 types of roses in the park. Many lovers come to this park as a ‘date course’. Not only that, you can visit Lotte outlet that is next to the stadium where you can enjoy shopping but also ice-skating and rollerblading.
The Dutch manager now has an actual stadium named after him.
The stadium, which is in fact the second to use the coach's name, was constructed in the city of Pohang, at about four hundred kilometers from the country's capital city, Seoul.
The venue has been nick-named 'Field of Dreams' and also refers to the accessibility for blind people. Hiddink commented: "Hopefully this stadium will help all disabled people to gain hope and courage through football."
Hiddink became a true legend in South Korea, after taking the country to the semi finals of the 2002 World Cup.
Since, he helped Australia to the round of sixteen in 2006 and guided the Russians to the semi finals at Euro 2008.
Manager Profile:
Name:Guus Hiddink
Date and Place of Birth: November 8th, 1946 in Varsseveld, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Playing Career:
Position: Midfielder
1967–1970 De Graafschap
1970–1972 PSV Eindhoven
1972–1976 De Graafschap
1976 Washington Diplomats
1977 San Jose Earthquakes (NASL)
1978–1981 NEC
1981–1982 De Graafschap
Coaching Career:
1982–1984 De Graafschap
1984–1987 PSV Eindhoven (assistant)
1987–1990 PSV Eindhoven
1990–1991 Fenerbahçe
1991–1994 Valencia
1995–1998 Netherlands
1998–1999 Real Madrid
1999–2000 Real Betis
2000–2002 South Korea
2002–2005 PSV Eindhoven
2005–2006 Australia
2006–present Russia
Current Position:
2006 – present Russia (Manager)
Playing Honours:
None
Coaching Honours:
Eredivisie champions: PSV Eindhoven (1986/1987, 1987/1988, 1988/1989, 2002/2003, 2004/2005, 2005/2006)
KNVB Cup winners: PSV Eindhoven (1987/1988, 1988/1989, 1989/1990, 2004/2005)
European Cup winners: PSV Eindhoven (1987/1988)
Intrcontinental Cup: Real Madrid (1998)
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