Profile: Dragan Skocic
Head Coach
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Dragan SkoÄić, born on September 3, 1968, in Rijeka, Croatia, is a professional football coach and former player. His tenure as the head coach of Iran's national football team is marked by a remarkable turnaround in the team's fortunes, leading to their qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, his journey with Team Melli was not without its controversies and challenges.
**Achievements**
SkoÄić was appointed as the head coach of Iran's national team on February 6, 2020. At the time, Iran was struggling in the World Cup qualifiers under Belgian coach Marc Wilmots after consecutive defeats against Bahrain and Iraq, facing the serious threat of elimination. SkoÄić's appointment brought a breath of fresh air and a new tactical approach that revitalized the team.
Under SkoÄić's leadership, Iran achieved an impressive record in the World Cup qualifiers, winning 15 out of 17 matches. His strategic acumen and ability to motivate the players were crucial in securing Iran's spot in the 2022 World Cup. This achievement was particularly significant as it marked Iran's third consecutive World Cup qualification, a testament to SkoÄić's effective management.
Despite his success in the qualifiers, SkoÄić's tenure was not without its setbacks. The team faced criticism for its performance in friendly matches and regional tournaments, where results were not as consistent. Additionally, there were concerns about the team's defensive strategies and overall cohesion on the field.
. One of the most significant controversies was his unexpected dismissal just months before the 2022 World Cup. Despite his successful qualification campaign, the IFF decided to replace him with Carlos Queiroz, citing the need for a more experienced coach for the World Cup finals.
This decision was met with mixed reactions. Many fans and players expressed their disappointment, arguing that SkoÄić deserved to lead the team in Qatar due to his pivotal role in their qualification. The abrupt change in leadership raised questions about the federation's decision-making process and its impact on the team's morale and preparation.
As it turned out later, Skocic was a victim of a small group of players. Some senior players led by Hajsafy and Taremi were meeting the federation behind Skocic's back to demand the return of Carlos Queiroz.
**Records**
During his tenure, SkoÄić set several records with the Iranian national team. His 88% win rate in competitive matches is one of the highest in the team's history. Additionally, Iran's performance in the qualifiers under his guidance was one of the best, with the team topping their group and securing early qualification.
Dragan SkoÄić's tenure as the head coach of Iran's national football team is a story of resilience, tactical brilliance, and unexpected challenges. His ability to turn around the team's fortunes and secure World Cup qualification is a significant achievement. Despite the controversies and his untimely dismissal, SkoÄić's contributions to Iranian football will be remembered as a crucial chapter in the team's history.
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