The Feyenoord boss has been appointed to lead the team's qualification bid for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and will take up the position on July 1.

Van Basten is standing down after this summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.

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A statement issued by the KNVB today confirmed 55-year-old Van Marwijk, who has been given a two-year contract, would be officially unveiled at the end of this month.

"The presentation of Bert van Marwijk takes place on March 31, when the rest of the technical staff have also been appointed," the statement read.

Van Marwijk led Feyenoord to UEFA Cup glory in 2002 before departing for an unproductive spell at German outfit Borussia Dortmund between 2004 and 2006.

He returned to De Kuip at the start of this season and has led Feyenoord to fourth place in the Eredivisie standings and the semi-finals of the Dutch Cup.

Van Marwijk said: "This is the highest that you can reach as a coach.

"It's a nice prospect and a big challenge to work with the best players in Holland.

"It also comes at the right time, looking at my age. And when you get such a chance, you must grab it.

"Luckily, the players and the directors of Feyenoord have granted me this job. We have some crucial weeks in both the (league) competition and in the KNVB Beker.

"In the coming weeks, I want to fully focus my attention on Feyenoord, I am obliged to do that for everyone at the club."

Van Marwijk's appointment brings to an end the KNVB's three-month search for a successor to Van Basten, who has since accepted an offer to become the new coach of Ajax on the expiry of his Holland deal.

KNVB director Henk Kesler said: "We are glad and content that we could reach the deal.

"Bert was on our list from the beginning. He has earned his spurs nationally and internationally.

"The past weeks we have taken the time to exchange ideas.

"I look back at those talks with a good feeling and in the end this has resulted in a contract for two years."