Iran, yang menjadi satu-satunya tim nasional di Asia tanpa pelatih kepala sejak Juli lalu, mengawali pertandingan kualifikasi Piala Dunia dengan hasil mengecewakan imbang tanpa gol melawan Suriah awal bulan ini.
Iran, which had been the only national side in Asia without a head coach since last July, started its World Cup qualification games with a disappointing goalless draw against Syria earlier this month.