Iran sack Skocic just four months from World Cup
July 12: Iran sacked coach Dragan Skocic just four months before the World Cup.
The Croatian has only been in the job since February 2020 after taking over from Marc Wilmots and securing the top spot in Iran's World Cup qualifying group with eight wins from 10 games.
In all, Skocic have won 15 of their 18 games and no team has recorded more points in Asia's World Cup qualifiers. But the country has lost two of its last three games, including a 2-1 friendly loss to Algeria in Qatar last month.
Current Oman boss Branko Ivankovic, who led Iran to the World Cup final in Germany in 2006, has been linked with the role, as has former Bayern Munich striker Ali Daei and former Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam.
Iran, the highest ranked team in Asia, will participate in the World Cup for the sixth time in the country's history and for the third time in a row.
The country had canceled a June friendly in Vancouver against Canada due to political tensions and the timing of Skocic's sacking is bizarre in the extreme given his record. With the domestic league season starting on August 11, any new manager would only have the September international window and preparation for the World Cup to impose his own style.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1657663191labto1657663191ofdlr1657663191owedi1657663191sni@w1657663191ahsra1657663191w.wer1657663191dna1657663191
July 12: Iran sacked coach Dragan Skocic just four months before the World Cup.
The Croatian has only been in the job since February 2020 after taking over from Marc Wilmots and securing the top spot in Iran's World Cup qualifying group with eight wins from 10 games.
In all, Skocic have won 15 of their 18 games and no team has recorded more points in Asia's World Cup qualifiers. But the country has lost two of its last three games, including a 2-1 friendly loss to Algeria in Qatar last month.
Current Oman boss Branko Ivankovic, who led Iran to the World Cup final in Germany in 2006, has been linked with the role, as has former Bayern Munich striker Ali Daei and former Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam.
Iran, the highest ranked team in Asia, will participate in the World Cup for the sixth time in the country's history and for the third time in a row.
The country had canceled a June friendly in Vancouver against Canada due to political tensions and the timing of Skocic's sacking is bizarre in the extreme given his record. With the domestic league season starting on August 11, any new manager would only have the September international window and preparation for the World Cup to impose his own style.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1657663191labto1657663191ofdlr1657663191owedi1657663191sni@w1657663191ahsra1657663191w.wer1657663191dna1657663191
What's Your Reaction?
