Top > Sport > 2006 > July > 2006-07-22

Iranian Football Federation Makes Needed Changes

More national teams are undergoing personnel changes. With Italy, Argentina, and England replacing their national team`s coach, now Iran is joining the list. The Iranian Football Federation decided to appoint Amir Qalenoei, who currently coach the league champions Esteghlal, to the new national coach for Iran.

The Croatian Branko Ivankovic, the stepping down Iranian coach, was the one to lead Iran through their last World Cup campaign, which was less then successful. Iran did not make it to the second stage, and was beaten twice during the tournament. The first game was against Mexico where Iran lost 3-1, the second defeat was to Portugal 2-0, and finally Iran managed to draw 1-1 against Angola.

Fans in Iran are hoping that the new coach could do the team some good and that overall changes in the federation could lead the country a better place in the next World Cup. Immediately after Germany 2006, the head of the federation was fired, and now with Ivankovic saying that he is looking for new challenges, all hopes are high.