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Carlos Queiroz, born on March 1, 1953, in Nampula, Mozambique, is a Portuguese football manager renowned for his extensive and impactful career. Among his many roles, his tenure with Iran's national football team stands out as particularly significant. Queiroz's time with Team Melli is marked by notable achievements, controversies, and a series of records that have left a lasting legacy.
**Achievements**
Queiroz first took the helm of Team Melli in 2011, becoming the longest-serving manager in the team's history, with an almost eight-year tenure until 2019. Under his guidance, Iran qualified for three consecutive FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, and 2022), a first in the nation's history. His defensive strategies and ability to organize the team made Iran a formidable opponent on the international stage.
One of Queiroz's significant achievements was leading Iran to the top of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rankings. His tenure saw Iran consistently perform well in AFC competitions, including a strong showing in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where Iran reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated in a penalty shoot-out.
**Failures**
Despite his successes, Queiroz's tenure was not without its challenges and failures. The 2014 and 2018 World Cups saw Iran exit in the group stages, despite some commendable performances. The 2015 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final loss to Iraq in a dramatic penalty shootout was a particularly bitter pill to swallow for both Queiroz and Iranian fans.
**Controversies**
Queiroz's time with Iran was also marked by several controversies. His outspoken nature often put him at odds with the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) and local media. Disputes over team preparations, facilities, and support from the federation were frequent. Additionally, his decision to exclude certain high-profile players from the squad led to public and media scrutiny.
One notable controversy was his clash with the then-IFF president, Ali Kafashian, over the lack of support and resources provided to the national team. This tension reached a peak during the 2018 World Cup preparations, where Queiroz publicly criticized the federation's handling of the team's needs.
**Records**
Queiroz holds the record for being the only coach to lead Iran to three consecutive World Cups, although the Portuguese coach was not coaching Iran for the qualifiers of FIFA World Cup 2022. His tenure also saw Iran achieve their highest-ever FIFA ranking, reaching 22nd place in 2018. Under his leadership, Iran maintained an impressive unbeaten streak in World Cup qualification matches, further solidifying his legacy.
Carlos Queiroz's career with Iran's national football team is a testament to his tactical acumen, resilience, and ability to inspire his players. Despite the controversies and challenges, his achievements and records have cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in Iranian football history. His legacy continues to influence the team's strategies and aspirations on the international stage.
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Full name
Carlos Manuel Brito Queiroz
Date of birth
01.03.1953
Place of birth
Nampula, Mozambique
Playing career
Years Team
1974-1978 Ferrovi
Age:
71
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