Hasek takes over as Czech coach

Ivan Hasek will take over as Czech Republic coach for the rest of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

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PRAGUE // Ivan Hasek will take over as Czech Republic coach for the rest of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Hasek, 45, led Al Ahli to the UAE Pro League title last season before turning down a new deal to keep him at the club last month. Instead, the former Czech international opted to return home where he was appointed as the Chairman of the Czech football federation. He replaces the interim coach Frantisek Straka, whose contract expired June 30 and was not renewed. Straka had replaced Petr Rada in May after a string of poor World Cup qualifying results, and was in charge for just one match, leading the team to a 1-0 win over Malta in a friendly on June 5.

The former Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner will be Hasek's adviser in his new role. snelmes@thenational.ae *With agencies