Vieira speaks to South Korea, Socceroos

BANGKOK: Jorvan Vieira is a wanted man after guiding Iraq to their first Asian Cup triumph, and has already attracted interest from Australia and South Korea with a view to taking over as national team coach.

The Brazilian spoke with representatives of the two teams on Monday, less than 24 hours after Iraq's fairytale 1-0 victory against hot favourites Saudi Arabia in Jakarta.

"I spoke on the telephone with representatives of Australia and South Korea asking me if I was interested," Vieira told media during a brief stopover in Bangkok.

"It's still very early. First, I need a holiday before I decide what to do," he added.

Newcomers Australia, who were the pre-tournament favourites after reaching the last 16 of last year's World Cup, have confirmed they are looking for a foreign coach to replace Graham Arnold after their Asian Cup debut flop.

The Socceroos complained often about the heat and humidity and went out at the quarterfinal stage having won just one game.

Dutchman Pim Verbeek quit as South Korea's national team coach after Saturday's third-place playoff win against Japan in Palembang, saying he needed a break and a new challenge.

Younis Mahmoud's 71st-minute header in Sunday's final sparked rare celebrations in war-torn Iraq, which has been plagued by sectarian violence that has gripped the country since the US-led invasion in 2003.

Despite pleas from players, fans and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for him to stay on and lead Iraq to the 2010 World Cup, Vieira parted company with the team on Sunday, citing chaos in Iraqi soccer as his reason for leaving.

The 54-year-old says he has also been approached by the Moroccan national team, with whom he was assistant coach during the 1986 World Cup when they reached the second round as group winners ahead of England, Portugal and Poland.

Vieira has also received job offers from clubs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Brazilian team Vasco Da Gama, for whom he played in the 1970s.

He said he was only interested in national teams since it was too close to the new season to take over a club side.

"Clubs are already preparing for their season, I would have to wait months before I can make any impact and there would be too many problems," Vieira said.

"With a national team, I have time to work, get to know the players and prepare to get the right system and right team."

Agencies

(China Daily 08/01/2007 page20)