World-renowned Brazilian soccer star Zico has been named as new coach of the Iraqi national team.
The Iraqi Football Federation said Zico, who has already taken charge of the Lions of Mesopotamia, has been appointed for an initial period of one year.
“The first training modules for the national team [took place] in the city of Irbil,” the association said.
The Iraqi national team, who have made only one appearance in the Fifa World Cup, are currently ranked 109 in the world.
Born Arthur Antunes Coim-bra, Zico is often called the 'White Pelé', and is considered one of the most skilled finishers and passers in soccer history. The attacking midfielder was named by Pelé himself as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.
Their new coach, who has headed teams such as Japan, Fenerbahce and CSKA Moscow, is expected to help the team climb up the ladder.
Unless that happens, the 58-year-old Brazilian is likely be shown the door much like his predecessor Wolfgang Sidka.
The nation’s current ranking is not as bad as July 1996, when they were in lowly 139th place. Iraq’s highest ever ranking is 39, achieved in October 2004.
Zico faces an immediate challenge as the Iraqis continue their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign against Jordan on 2 September at the Francois Hariri Stadium in Erbil.
Other teams drawn alongside Iraq in Group A are China and Singapore.
Many expect the Brazilian great to do very well giving his significant soccer history. He also has an experienced crew, which includes fitness trainer Bruno Neves Mikadh.
Zico’s appointment has been welcomed by fans at home. Commenting on Fifa’s website, one Iraqi fan, Awab90, wrote: “Thank God this deal is finally sealed. Hopefully Zico will leave a good mark on Iraqi football history by making it to the final stages of the World Cup. We are strong we are good and we have the will.”
That view was shared by another commenter. Romanian fan IVAN2712 added: “Zico did a lot of history for football. I think this is a good thing for Iraq.”
One Nigerian commenter, Uchegod, stated: “Zico is a great guy. I hope he achieves the same feat with the Iraq team.”
