The former Real Madrid and Portugal manager will replace Spaniard Felix Sanchez, who led the Maroons through the disappointing World Cup campaign at home.
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Qatar has appointed Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as manager until the end of 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s football association (QFA) said on Monday. The 69-year-old’s last stint was with Iran, coaching Team Melli during the group stages of Qatar World Cup. The former Real Madrid and Portugal manager will replace Spaniard Felix Sanchez, who led the Maroons through the disappointing World Cup campaign at home. According to Portuguese magazine, DN, several candidates, including former Portugal manager Fernando Santos, were in consideration for the job but Queiroz emerged as the best option, probably because of his vast experience of working in Asia.
البرتغالي ” كيروش ” مدرباً للعنابي 🇶🇦👨🏫.
كل التوفيق للمدرب مع كتيبة منتخبنا الوطني💪. pic.twitter.com/XfqLIiPclM
— الاتحاد القطري لكرة القدم 🇶🇦 (@QFA) February 6, 2023
Queiroz’s best stint as manager was with Iran from 2011 to 2019, when he went on to manage 100 games , winning 60 of them. He then returned for a second stint with Team Melli before the 2022 World Cup. Under the stewardship of the Portuguese tactician, Iran participated in three consecutive World Cup finals. In 2014, the team didn’t win a single group match and finished their campaign at the bottom of Group H, with just one point to their name, that was earned courtesy of a goalless draw against Nigeria.
As I embark on a new journey, there are many memories I will hold on to with great joy.
I’d like to share my gratitude to my great players in Team Melli. To all my loyal Iranian staff, to the Football Federation and everyone who supported me and the “Team Melli Legacy”.
(…) pic.twitter.com/lPugtFxCVJ— Carlos Queiroz (@Carlos_Queiroz) January 31, 2023
However, four years later, in Russia. Team Melli gave a good account of themselves as they started off with a 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain and then got the better of Morocco 1-0 in their final group-match. Queiroz’s side finished at the third spot with four points to their name. In the recently concluded World Cup, Iran beat Wales 2-0 but lost to England and USA. Before taking charge of Iran, Queiroz had managed Portugal, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Colombia and was also the Assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Meanwhile, in 2003, he replaced Vicente del Bosque at Real Madrid. During his 10-month stint at Santiago Bernabeu, he led Los Blancos to a Spanish Super Cup title.
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Qatar qualified for the 2022 World Cup as the hosts and had a disastrous campaign, becoming the first host nation to lose all of their three group games. The Maroons scored just one goal in their debut World Cup campaign, while conceding seven. Mohammed Muntari scored the historical goal for the Maroons against Senegal in their second group-match, which ended in a 3-1 loss. Meanwhile Queiroz’ first big task would be to help his side defend the AFC Asia Cup to be held at home. The Maroons defeated Japan 3-1 in the final in UAE, four years ago, to lift their first major international trophy.
