Soccer / Football : World Cup 2010 : Qualifying Group Europe

Coach Bert van Marwijk has signed a two-year extension to his contract with the Dutch national team, committing to the post until after the EURO 2012 finals. Van Marwijk's existing deal ran until the end of this summer's World Cup but he has been rewarded for his achievement in guiding the Dutch to South Africa by winning all their matches in the group stage. The 57-year-old former Feyenoord coach took over from Marco Van Basten in 2008.

Wayne Bridge is refusing to play for England in the wake of teammate John Terry's alleged affair with his former partner, saying Thursday that his presence in the World Cup squad could be "divisive." Coach Fabio Capello expected the Manchester City defender to continue playing for England after stripping Terry of the captaincy when details of the Chelsea defender's affair with Vanessa Perroncel were published. But Bridge's announcement, two days after Capello suggested the two could play together, left the coach with problems over selection and team harmony three months before England travels to the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Guus Hiddink has agreed to become coach of Turkey's national foootball team. The 63-year-old Dutchman will lead Turkey through their EURO 2012 qualification campaign after his tenure with Russia finishes this summer. Fatih Terim had been coach since 2005 but quit after Turkey failed to reach the World Cup. Hiddink coached Russia to the 2008 European Championship semifinals but they also failed to qualify for this year's World Cup.

Guus Hiddink will step down as the national coach of Russia when his contract expires on June 30. The 63-year-old Dutchman guided Russia to the semifinals of the 2008 European Championships but the team fell short of qualifying for this year's World Cup. Hiddink has been linked with several national team coaching jobs in recent weeks, although there are likely to be plenty of top clubs among his suitors as well. He has previously coached clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, Valencia and PSV Eindhoven, and national teams including the Netherlands, South Korea and Australia.

John Terry was dropped as England's captain by coach Fabio Capello on Friday, a week after allegations became public that the defender had an affair with the former girlfriend of teammate Wayne Bridge. Rio Ferdinand, who had been vice captain, will take over. "I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision," said Terry, who remains as Chelsea's captain. "I will continue to give everything for England."

Former Croatia trainer Zlatko Kranjcar will lead Montenegro through Euro 2012 qualifying after being named as only their second ever coach. "Montenegro have a very talented and very interesting group of players," said Kranjcar. "My predecessor Zoran Filipoviæ formed that group and did a good job. What I noticed is that players need to play with more passion and professionalism. I will try to change that."