28 Nov Former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek passes away after battle with illness

Former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has passed away after a four-year battle with cancer.

The 63-year-old Dutchman lead Australia to the 2010 World Cup, where they memorably beat Serbia 2-1 in their final group game despite not progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Tributes from around the world have immediately flowed for the veteran coach, who most recently coached the Oman national team.

My world is a sadder place tonight after learning of the death of Pim Verbeek. The kindest, most genuine human being I ever met in football – I was proud to call him my friend. Rust goed Pim.

— simonhill1894 (@simonhill1894) November 28, 2019

Verbeek took over as coach of the Australian national team at the end of 2007 and swiftly sealed qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Former Socceroo Robert Cornthwaite paid tributed to the man who handed him his national team debut.

"Once I was late to a team meeting and I apologised,” he tweeted.

“After the meeting he put his arm around me and gave me a cheeky smile saying 'don't be late again'.

“He was a kind man."