Hiddink appointed KNVB national knight for great achievements in soccer

The KNVB has named Guus Hiddink a national knight. The former national team coach of Orange was praised by association president Just Spee for his great achievements for Dutch soccer.

The 76-year-old Hiddink had two periods of Orange under his care and finished fourth at the World Cup in 1998. As club coach, he achieved his greatest Dutch success by winning the 1988 European Cup I with PSV.

Hiddink was surprised Wednesday during a meeting of the Coaches Professional Football (CBV). During that meeting, as chairman, he addressed the other coaches, following the cup final that was marred by the many mutual irritations on the pitch.