Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Qatar have dispensed with the services of head coach Sebastiao Lazaroni the QFA (Qatar Football Association) announced on Monday, with the Brazilian tactician paying the price for a poor performance in the Pan Arab Games.
Tournament hosts Qatar bowed out of the competition at the group stage following draws with Bahrain (2-2) and Iraq (0-0), prompting the QFA's decision to sack the 61-year-old, even though he took them to the brink of the next stage of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar are second in Group E of the third round of Brazil 2014 qualifiers with nine points, to less than leaders Iran and three clear of third place Bahrain with one round of matches remaining.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts will progress to the fourth round along with Iran should they draw with the three-time AFC Asian Cup winners in Tehran in their final fixture on February 29.
Qatar could still advance even if they lose to Iran and Bahrain beat Indonesia given their superior goal difference over the Bahrainis.