Van Gaal returns to Netherlands helm

"The Dutch Royal Football Federation (KNVB) this evening reached an agreement with Louis van Gaal over his appointment as the coach of the Dutch national eleven," the KNVB disclosed via a statement.

"Van Gaal has signed a contract that will link him from August 1 this year until the end of the World Cup in 2014," the statement added.

His appointment marks an end to speculation after Van Marwijk's resignation on June 27 after the Dutch bowed out at the first round of EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine - one of their worst results in decades.

Van Gaal, 60, brings with him a wealth of experience as a former player as well as a coach with Ajax, winning the national championships three times in 1994, 1995 and 1996, the KNVB added.

He took over as national coach from Dutch football legend Frank Rijkaard in 2000, taking the Oranje to 12 wins in 14 games.

He resigned in 2001 when Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea Republic.

Van Gaal's coaching experience also includes leading German football giant Bayern Munich, taking it to the UEFA Champions League in 2009. He left the club last year.

"We were looking for a trainer with a wealth of experience, with personal and technical expertise," said KNVB director Bert van Oostveen.

"Van Gaal earned his spurs not only nationally, but internationally as well and we know him as a dedicated and highly driven coach," Oostveen said.