August 2 – Dick Advocaat has come out of retirement and has been tasked with leading Iraq to next year’s World Cup.
The Iraqis last participated in the global finals in 1986 and have entrusted the Dutchman to steer them to a second World Cup in Qatar. Last season, Advocaat retired from the game, ending his career at Feyenoord, but the 73-year-old has now made a U-turn.
“We chose the Dutch coach based on his track record, both at club and international level,” said the Iraqi FA in a statement on Facebook.
Advocaat has experience in Asia after leaving United Arab Emirates in 2005 to coach South Korea at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He was not, however, Iraq’s first choice, but negotiations with Carlos Queiroz, who led neighbours Iran to two consecutive World Cups, broke down over salary demands. Advocaat succeeds Srecko Katanec, who left in July claiming he had not been paid for five or six months.
The Slovenian guided Iraq to the final round of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers, which start in September. The Lions of Mesopotamia begin their campaign in Seoul against South Korea and will also play Iran, Lebanon, Syria and the United Arab Emirates in Group A. Advocaat will also lead Iraq in the Arab Cup in Qatar and the Gulf Cup on home soil.
The top two will qualify for Qatar and the third placed will enter a play-offs.
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