Ivankovic back as Iran coach

Persianleague
- Oct 03, 2003
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AFC - BRANCO Ivankovic has been reappointed as the Iran national team coach.

The Croatian replaces Hooman Shahrokhi, who has been under pressure from fans and media in Iran. The 3-2 reverse to Jordan in an Asian qualifying game on September 26 appears to have been the final straw for his employers, although he will stay on with the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) as technical director.

Ivankovic was Miroslav Blazevic's assitant when Croatia's qualified for the 1998 World Cup finals 1998. He returns to the job he left in December 2002. He was appointed Iran national coach for the first time in January 2002.

The highlight of Ivankovic's first spell with Iran was winning the Asian Games in October 2002. Japan beat Japan 2-1 in the final.

Ivankovic has signed a one-year contract and will take over immediately, starting with the OFC/AFC Challenge in Tehran on October 12. Five days later, Iran play Lebanon in an Asian Cup qualifier.

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