World Cup swansong for Iran coach

BBC - Iran coach Branko Ivankovic will quit after the World Cup, regardless of how far his team progresses.

Ivankovic, 52, has blamed media pressure as the reason for wanting to end his four-year reign.

He said: "I've faced unrelenting criticism over tactics, choice of players and everything else for over four years.

"Even if we qualify for the next phase the attacks on me will continue. Enough is enough."

Ivankovic arrived in Iran as assistant to Miroslav Blazevic and succeeded his fellow Croat when they failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

He forged Iran into a strong side by blending experienced internationals with talented younger players from the domestic league.

The formula saw Iran took third place in the 2002 Asian Cup, when they lost to hosts China in the semi-final.