(Reuters) – Dutchman Dick Advocaat has resigned as coach of Iraq after failing to safe a single victory in six World Cup qualifiers in his three months in cost.
The 74-year-old, who counts three stints as Netherlands coach amongst his many earlier posts, will likely be changed by Montenegrin Zeljko Petrovic on a caretaker foundation for the Arab Cup, which will get underway in Qatar subsequent week.
“The Iraq Soccer Affiliation has accepted the resignation of coach Advocaat,” Iraq FA spokesman Ahmed Zamil mentioned in an announcement on Fb.
“Advocaat expressed his deep remorse to Iraqi followers for the disappointing outcomes as he had hoped to guide the nationwide crew to direct qualification for the World Cup finals.”
Advocaat oversaw three attracts and three defeats since taking up in August and leaves Iraq second backside of Asian qualifying Group A, 10 factors off second place.
The highest two within the group qualify straight for subsequent yr’s finals, whereas third place would provide a passage to Qatar through two playoffs.
Iraq, Asian champions in 2007, have competed on the World Cup finals solely as soon as in 1986, dropping all three matches.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, Enhancing by Peter Rutherford)
