Van Marwijk commits to Oranje cause

Bert van Marwijk has signed a two-year extension to his contract with the Dutch national team, committing to the post until after the UEFA EURO 2012 finals.

"Everyone can see the progress we have made over the past two years, but we are not done yet," said the former Feyenoord and BV Borussia Dortmund coach, who guided the Netherlands to this summer's FIFA World Cup with maximum points in qualifying. "It brings calm to the team when the coach extends his contract at an early stage [the 57-year-old's deal was due to expire in July]."

Van Marwijk made the announcement in Noordwijk, where the Netherlands are preparing for Wednesday's friendly against fellow World Cup finalists the United States. He replaced Marco van Basten after UEFA EURO 2008 and led the Oranje to eight wins in as many games en route to South Africa – Spain were the only other team to go through European qualifying with a 100% record.

Van Marwijk's entire coaching team, including assistants Dick Voorn, Phillip Cocu and Frank de Boer, have been rewarded with similar deals. "It is of great value to me that my staff can all stay together," he said. "That was a deciding factor for me."