Arie Haan tipped to be Iran's coach

Tehran - Dutchman Arie Haan might become the new coach of the Iranian football team after the World Cup.

Following Iran's 3-1 defeat against Mexico in its World Cup opening game, criticism of coach Branco Ivankovic mounted and an extension of his contract seems unlikely, the government sports daily Iran reported Wednesday.

Haan has enjoyed success at club level with Persepolis here since January, and is considered the top contender to replace the Croatian Ivankovic, although his contract with Persepolis runs until 2007.

Haan has coached teams in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Austria in the past and was China national team coach until the team was eliminated from 2006 World Cup qualifying rounds.

Iranian Football Federation (FFI) president Mohammad Dadkan, a big fan of Ivankovic, has recently suggested the Croatian might leave Iran after the World Cup.

The defeat against Mexico led to criticism that 37-year-old skipper Ali Daei was too old and that the goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour had not performed well.

Another defeat against group D favourites Portugal would end Iran's dreams of reaching the second round for the first time ever.