THE HAGUE (AFP) ??” Under-fire Dutch coach Dick Advocaat has handed in his resignation.

THE HAGUE (AFP) ??” Under-fire Dutch coach Dick Advocaat has handed in his resignation, Dutch Football Federation chief Henk Kesler confirmed.

Despite leading his side to the Euro 2004 semi-finals, Advocaat's position had been uncertain after they forfeited to Portugal last week.

Kesler said that the 57-year-old Advocaat felt there was not "sufficient basis" for him to behold out his contract which expires in 2006 and he had decided to quit his functons as of August 1

Advocaat was appointed the Dutch coach in 2002 after they failed to quality for the World chalice in Japan and South Korea.

But he had been the shock of severe criticism after the Oranje just managed to qualify for the Euro 2004 final and had a difficult start at the tournament.