|
|
| Iraq seek to revive fortunes |
 |
| Iraq are hoping to recapture their form of 2007 when they play in the Gulf Cup and FIFA Confederations Cup next year. |
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s decision to bring back Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira to the national fold suggests a yearning for the old form and spirit that took them to a popular victory at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.
The adventurous Iraqis defied expectations then to become Asian champions, beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With the charismatic Vieira at the helm, the victory appeared to fling open the doors to a glorious future on the Asian and world stage.
However, things haven’t gone exactly to plan. Vieira left and, a little more than a year after they were hailed as heroes in their country, the bubble has burst.
Vieira was originally replaced by Norway’s Egil Olsen, who was sacked after only three matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers because he refused to coach in the war-torn country.
The Iraqis then turned to former AFC Coach of the Year Adnan Hamad to salvage their floundering campaign but the team lost 1-0 to Qatar in June in a crucial match, a defeat that also ended their hopes of qualifying for South Africa.
It will be the first time since the 1994 edition in the United States that the Asian champions will be absent from the FIFA World Cup finals.
The Iraq Football Association will be giving Vieira a one-year testing period to see if he can lift the team’s morale.
The Brazilian is familiar with the hazards of coaching in Iraq and his knowledge of the players, their strengths and weaknesses, means he can hit the ground running.
He has already created a minor miracle by lifting a nation that has yet to have a regular home grown team into the best in Asia.
It remains to be seen if he can do it again.
|
|
