DOHA (Qatar): Head coach Bert van Marwijk was sacked by United Arab Emirates after the team failed to secure a place in the semifinals of 24th Arab Gulf Cup.
The UAE were eliminated on Tuesday following a 4-2 loss against Asian champions Qatar in a group game which both sides needed to win to advance to the last four.
“We’re not experienced team as we’re trying to build a new squad. It was a compliment for us to play such a good game against Qatar,” Van Marwijk had said after the last Group A game at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
Van Marwijk, who led his native Netherlands to the final of the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, took over as head coach of the UAE earlier this year having previously qualified neighbouring Saudi Arabia for the finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
There were huge expectations on the 67-year-old when he replaced Alberto Zaccheroni but the Emiratis have so far struggled in Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifers.
The team are currently fourth in their group, five points behind leaders Vietnam but with a game in hand.
The UAE’s next World Cup qualifier will be on March 26 against Malaysia at home.
