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Austria name Krankl as new national coach
© Reuters 2002
VIENNA, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Former Rapid Vienna and Barcelona striker Hans Krankl has been named as Austria's new national coach, charged with rebuilding the squad after their dismal performance in last year's World Cup qualifiers.
The Austrian football association (OeFB) said late on Monday it had chosen the 48-year-old over other contenders, including Britain's Roy Hodgson. Krankl is expected to sign a contract later on Tuesday.
"I am pleased that the job has been trusted to an Austrian," said Krankl, who scored 34 goals for Austria in 69 matches between 1973 and 1985.
Krankl, who left the Austrian club Admira Wacker as coach in December, will replace Croat Otto Baric who was fired following Austria's elimination at the end of the 2002 World Cup qualifiers with a 6-0 aggregate defeat by Turkey in the playoffs.
Baric had taken over as coach in 1999, replacing Herbert Prohaska, who resigned after Austria suffered a humiliating 9-0 defeat by Spain in a European championship qualifier.
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