Why 'Richard' Advocaat goes by a different name in the United States

Curaçao's football fairytale is garnering significant media attention during the World Cup. Coach Advocaat held his first press conference last night ahead of their clash against Germany, expressing confidence in an upset. "Even in the Netherlands, amateurs sometimes beat professionals," the 78-year-old national coach remarked.

During the press conference, Advocaat likely wasn't referred to as Dick by all Americans. In the US, Advocaat is widely known as 'Richard.' He acquired this nickname when he arrived as a player for the Chicago Sting football club in 1978.

"The first thing I was told was: 'From now on, your name is Richard,'" Advocaat previously recounted on the Dutch talk show Vandaag Inside. The reason for this name change is that 'Dick' in English is also a vulgar term for the male anatomy. Advocaat never decided to change this nickname afterward. "That's what I always call myself when I'm in America," he told the AD.

Recently, Advocaat was still announced under the name Richard. For instance, several members of the Curaçao squad were invited to play baseball with MLB team the Miami Marlins last Thursday. He was also thanked by fans outside the stadium using the name Richard.

What name he's addressed by will likely be the least of Advocaat's worries in the coming weeks. His goal is to lead Curaçao to a memorable tournament in North America. The first hurdle they face is immediately a tough one: Germany.

The match will be broadcast at a favorable time for Dutch football fans, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. Furthermore, the game can be followed live on NOS via NPO 1. Later in the evening, at 10:00 PM, the Dutch national team will be in action.