The Portuguese pragmatist, who left Iran at the turn of the year, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the upcoming Asian Cup hosts and holders, as Al-Annabi<\/em> look to rebuild following a drab debut World Cup showing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The appointment puts to bed any concerns that the Qatari Football Association (QFA) would desert their backing of the national team following November\u2019s dismal showing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A decade in the making, the 2022 World Cup required significant resourcing both on and off the pitch. With no such guarantees ahead, there was a worry that investment would find itself apportioned elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, they\u2019ve acquired arguably the most sought-after national team coach in Asia over the last decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A five-time World Cup manager, with South Africa, Portugal and Iran (three times), his experience is undeniable; something that will no doubt be met by a lofty salary to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The manner in which he concluded his time with Iran, however, added to his perceived shortcomings at Colombia and Egypt, in his two previous stints, linger moving forward as he takes the reins of a very different type of footballing nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n