Van Gaal named Holland boss

Van Gaal resigned from Barcelona in May

Former Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal has been named as the new coach of the Netherlands and will lead them into the World Cup qualifying campaign for 2002.

Amsterdam-born Van Gaal, 48, replaces Frank Rijkaard, who resigned after his side lost to Italy in the semi-final of Euro 2000.

Van Gaal resigned as coach of Barcelona in May this year and has made no secret of his desire to coach Holland.

After a low-profile playing career, Van Gaal joined Ajax in 1988 as assistant coach, becoming head coach in 1991.

Fraught

He guided them to their first European Cup final win for 22 years in 1995.

Van Gaal left Ajax and joined Barcelona in 1997, spending three fraught years there before resigning.

He left the club with a good record but struggled throughout to connect with the Catalan fans.

It is understood Van Gaal's contract will run until the end of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.