Qosimov takes Uzbekistan helm after loss to Iran

Published Jun. 6, 2012 8:46 a.m. ET

foxsports

Uzbekistan has hired Mirjalol Qosimov to coach the national football team after a poor start to World cup qualifying.

The national federation announced Qosimov's appointment on Monday, a day after Uzbekistan lost 1-0 to Iran in their first Group A game in the final stage of Asian qualifying.

He replaces Vadim Adamov. The federation did not specify why Adamov departed, but Uzbek media said he asked to step down.

Qosimov was the national coach in 2009-2010, then took the helm of the Budyonkor team in the capital Tashkent.