DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar has fired charismatic soccer coach Bruno Metsu because of the Asian Cup quarterfinal loss to Japan.
The desert nation will host the World Cup in 2022 and is expected to hire a big-name coach.
Metsu has struggled since taking over in 2008 from Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati. The team missed out on the 2010 World Cup and last year fell in the quarterfinal stage at the Gulf Cup.
The Frenchman was praised for guiding his team into the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup last month. But some fans were angered after his team squandered a 2-1 lead against a 10-man Japan.
A replacement for Metsu is expected to be selected next week.
