Hiddink to coach Australia if they reach World Cup 2006

PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink will take charge of Australia's national side if they qualify for next year's World Cup.

The Dutchman told reporters in South Korea yesterday that he had reached a basic agreement with Football Federation Australia (FFA) to become the next coach of the Socceroos.

"If Australia qualify for the 2006 World Cup, then I will take over (by) November," Hiddink said after PSV's 1-1 draw with Olympique Lyon at the Peace Cup pre-season tournament.

"We just have to agree on some details before finalising the deal."

Hiddink said he would stay on at PSV as coach or in an advisory capacity until November.

Australia's next matches are the 2006 World Cup qualifiers against the Solomon Islands in September.

Almost sure

Hiddink became a national hero in South Korea after leading the co-hosts to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.

FFA chief executive John O'Neill has said he is "99 per cent sure" Hiddink will take over from Frank Farina, who stepped down last month after six years in charge.

Former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat was also on Australia's shortlist before he signed a one-year deal to coach the United Arab Emirates.

Hiddink steered PSV Eindhoven to the Dutch league title and the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.