Branko Ivankovic
Encyclopedia
Branko Ivanković (ˈbraːŋkɔ ˈiʋaːŋkoʋitɕ; born 28 February 1954) is a Croatia
n football coach and former player. After a 12-year playing career at Varteks Varaždin, Ivanković started his coaching career at the same club in 1991. He led the Iranian national football team at the 2006 World Cup. , Ivanković is managing Ettifaq FC in Saudi Professional League.
in physical education.
in the 1996–97 season.
, who led the Croatian national team
to a sensational third-place finish at the 1998 FIFA World Cup
finals in France
.
In the 1999–2000 season, he coached German
club Hannover 96
, which was playing in the Second Bundesliga at the time. He briefly returned to the Croatian national team as the assistant to Mirko Jozić during the qualifications for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
, before he took over the Iranian national team
where he replaced Blažević, who had managed them since 2001.
Under Ivanković, Iran's U23 football team won the 2002 Asian Games
in Pusan. He remained the coach of the national team until the end of 2002, when he was replaced by Homayun Shahrokhi.
Ivanković had became very popular in Iran
and the public media demanded a contract renewal, but the Football Federation was initially reluctant to appoint him as the head coach. Finally after a period of negotiations he was reappointed as the head coach of Iran on 3 October 2003.
Ivankovic led Iran to 2004 AFC Asian Cup
third place. They lost only to the hosts, China, in penalties in a very controversial match in which the Chinese luckily avoided multiple red cards.
Ivanković also led Iran to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, the third time in the country's history (they had previously been eliminated in the first round in 1978 and 1998).
Despite him being the most successful coach of the Iranian National Team in terms of winning percentage, Ivankovic was not liked by the Iranian government who deliberately tried to replace him with a native coach.
The Ministry for Physical Education which is a governmental watchdog on sports, tried to replace the coach before the World cup in Germany, however the Iranian Football Federation resisted the pressure and kept Ivankovic for the 2006 FIFA World Cup
.
, but conceded two goals. The second match against Portugal
was not successful either, with Iran conceding two late goals to lose 2–0 and being left without any chances of advancing to the second stage of the tournament, as Mexico drew against Angola
on the previous evening and left Iran unreachable four points behind. So, the third group match against Angola became insignificant for Iran. Angola put themselves into the lead with the opening goal after one hour of playing. The Iranians managed to equalise fifteen minutes later, eventually scoring their only point at the 2006 World Cup since the match ended in a 1–1 draw. This point was, however, only enough for Iran to occupy the last place in their group.
After the World Cup, MPE removed the Head of the Football federation of Iran, replacing Branko Ivanković with Amir Qalenoei. This in turn resulted a FIFA suspension for Iran's football due to political interference.
as the head coach of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb
. He led the club to the Double
in 2007 without losing a single competitive match. On 14 January 2008, Branko resigned as a coach of Dinamo
mostly due to his differences with the club's executive vice-president Zdravko Mamić
.
Ivanković returned as manager of Dinamo Zagreb on 21 May 2008. He is replacing Zvonimir Soldo, who resigned immediately after Dinamo won the domestic double.
In July 2009, Ivankoviće was offered the role of Persepolis manager in Iran, but he rejected the offer.
winners with a record 63 points. The team secured the qualification for 2011 AFC Champions League
. But Shandong were eliminated in the first round with 7 points. Due to poor result in the Champions League, he was dismissed on 10 May 2011 seven days before crucial game with Cerezo Osaka
0–4 .
and return club to the AFC Champions League
.
Iran (as assistant coach)
Iran-U23
Iran
China
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
n football coach and former player. After a 12-year playing career at Varteks Varaždin, Ivanković started his coaching career at the same club in 1991. He led the Iranian national football team at the 2006 World Cup. , Ivanković is managing Ettifaq FC in Saudi Professional League.
Playing career
Ivanković spent his entire 12-season-long playing career at Varteks Varaždin, appearing in a total of 263 matches and scoring 31 goals. He then continued to work at the club by first being their secretary and then starting his coaching career. Ivanković holds a PhDPHD
PHD may refer to:*Ph.D., a doctorate of philosophy*Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*PHD finger, a protein sequence*PHD Mountain Software, an outdoor clothing and equipment company*PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in physical education.
Managing career
He was the head coach of Varteks Varaždin between 1991 and 1995. He then moved for one season to Segesta Sisak, and went on to coach RijekaNK Rijeka
HNK Rijeka is a Croatian football club, from Rijeka on the Croatian coast.-History:The club was founded as NK Kvarner in 1946, after Rijeka passed from Italy to Yugoslavia following the end of World War II. During its early period in Yugoslavia, the club had moderate success in various Yugoslav...
in the 1996–97 season.
Croatian national team
Ivanković then became the assistant coach to Ćiro BlaževićMiroslav Blaževic
Miroslav "Ćiro" Blažević is a Bosnian Croat football manager. He is the current head coach of Mes Kerman in Iran Pro League....
, who led the Croatian national team
Croatia national football team
The Croatia national football team represents Croatia in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country, and has been managed since 2006 by former player Slaven Bilić...
to a sensational third-place finish at the 1998 FIFA World Cup
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
finals in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
In the 1999–2000 season, he coached German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
club Hannover 96
Hannover 96
Hannoverscher Sportverein von 1896, commonly referred to as Hannover 96, Hannover or simply 96, is a German association football club based in the city of Hanover, Lower Saxony.-Foundation to WWII:...
, which was playing in the Second Bundesliga at the time. He briefly returned to the Croatian national team as the assistant to Mirko Jozić during the qualifications for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, before he took over the Iranian national team
Iran national football team
The national football team of Iran represents Iran in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran...
where he replaced Blažević, who had managed them since 2001.
Iranian national team
Ivanković was appointed to the head of the Iranian team on 29 January 2002.Under Ivanković, Iran's U23 football team won the 2002 Asian Games
2002 Asian Games
The 2002 Asian Games, also known as XIV Asiad is a multi-sport event held in Busan, South Korea from September 29 to October 14, 2002. Busan is the second city, after Seoul in 1986 to host the Games. A total of 419 events in 38 sports were contested by 7,711 athletes from 44 countries...
in Pusan. He remained the coach of the national team until the end of 2002, when he was replaced by Homayun Shahrokhi.
Ivanković had became very popular in Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
and the public media demanded a contract renewal, but the Football Federation was initially reluctant to appoint him as the head coach. Finally after a period of negotiations he was reappointed as the head coach of Iran on 3 October 2003.
Ivankovic led Iran to 2004 AFC Asian Cup
2004 AFC Asian Cup
The 2004 AFC Asian Cup football competition is the thirteenth staging of AFC Asian Cup. It was held from July 17 to August 7, 2004 in China. The defending champions Japan defeated China in the final in Beijing....
third place. They lost only to the hosts, China, in penalties in a very controversial match in which the Chinese luckily avoided multiple red cards.
Ivanković also led Iran to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, the third time in the country's history (they had previously been eliminated in the first round in 1978 and 1998).
Despite him being the most successful coach of the Iranian National Team in terms of winning percentage, Ivankovic was not liked by the Iranian government who deliberately tried to replace him with a native coach.
The Ministry for Physical Education which is a governmental watchdog on sports, tried to replace the coach before the World cup in Germany, however the Iranian Football Federation resisted the pressure and kept Ivankovic for the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
.
World Cup 2006
Iran, at their opening game at the World Cup, showed a scintillating first half performance against MexicoMexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
, but conceded two goals. The second match against Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
was not successful either, with Iran conceding two late goals to lose 2–0 and being left without any chances of advancing to the second stage of the tournament, as Mexico drew against Angola
Angola national football team
The Angola national football team, nicknamed Palancas Negras , is the national team of Angola and is controlled by the Federação Angolana de Futebol. Angola reached 45th in the FIFA Rankings in July 2002...
on the previous evening and left Iran unreachable four points behind. So, the third group match against Angola became insignificant for Iran. Angola put themselves into the lead with the opening goal after one hour of playing. The Iranians managed to equalise fifteen minutes later, eventually scoring their only point at the 2006 World Cup since the match ended in a 1–1 draw. This point was, however, only enough for Iran to occupy the last place in their group.
After the World Cup, MPE removed the Head of the Football federation of Iran, replacing Branko Ivanković with Amir Qalenoei. This in turn resulted a FIFA suspension for Iran's football due to political interference.
Dinamo Zagreb
On 6 November 2006, Ivanković replaced Josip KužeJosip Kuže
Josip Kuže is a Croatian football coach and former player. He was a player and later coach of Dinamo Zagreb where he played from 1971-1981 making a total of 384 appearances and scoring 14 goals.-Playing career:...
as the head coach of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo Zagreb
GNK Dinamo Zagreb, commonly referred to as Dinamo Zagreb , or by their nickname Modri are a Croatian football club based in Zagreb. They play their home matches at Stadion Maksimir. They are the most successful club in Croatian football, having won thirteen Croatian championship titles, ten...
. He led the club to the Double
The Double
The Double is a term in association football which refers to winning a country's top tier division and its primary cup competition in the same season...
in 2007 without losing a single competitive match. On 14 January 2008, Branko resigned as a coach of Dinamo
Dinamo Zagreb
GNK Dinamo Zagreb, commonly referred to as Dinamo Zagreb , or by their nickname Modri are a Croatian football club based in Zagreb. They play their home matches at Stadion Maksimir. They are the most successful club in Croatian football, having won thirteen Croatian championship titles, ten...
mostly due to his differences with the club's executive vice-president Zdravko Mamić
Zdravko Mamic
Zdravko Mamić is a Croatian football administrator and football manager. Since 2003 he is the executive manager of Dinamo Zagreb, the most successful football club in Croatia....
.
Ivanković returned as manager of Dinamo Zagreb on 21 May 2008. He is replacing Zvonimir Soldo, who resigned immediately after Dinamo won the domestic double.
In July 2009, Ivankoviće was offered the role of Persepolis manager in Iran, but he rejected the offer.
Shandong Luneng
On 17 December 2009, Ivanković was appointed as the new head coach of Chinese giant Shandong Luneng. In his first season, he led the team to the 2010 Chinese Super League2010 Chinese Super League
The 2010 Chinese Super League season was the seventh season since the establishment of the Chinese Super League, the seventeenth season of a professional association football league and the 49th top-tier league season in China....
winners with a record 63 points. The team secured the qualification for 2011 AFC Champions League
2011 AFC Champions League
The 2011 AFC Champions League was the 30th edition of the top-level Asian club football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation , and the 9th under the current AFC Champions League title...
. But Shandong were eliminated in the first round with 7 points. Due to poor result in the Champions League, he was dismissed on 10 May 2011 seven days before crucial game with Cerezo Osaka
Cerezo Osaka
is a J. League Division 1 association football team. The team name Cerezo means cherry tree in Spanish, which is also the flower of Ōsaka city....
0–4 .
Ettifaq
On 22 July 2011, He was signed an one year contract with Ettifaq FC to lead club in 2011–12 Saudi Professional League2011–12 Saudi Professional League
-Members clubs:-Pre-season:-During the season:-League table:- Fixtures and results :...
and return club to the AFC Champions League
AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League is the premier Asian club football competition hosted annually by Asian Football Confederation . The tournament is contested among the top thirty-two clubs from the top 10 Asian leagues, two of which must qualify through the playoffs...
.
Coaching career statistics
| Country | Team | From | To | Record | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | GF | GA | +/- | ||||
 |
NK Varaždin | July 1991 | June 1995 | 116 | 44 | 34 | 38 | 37.93% | 153 | 130 | |
| |
HNK Rijeka | 1996 | 1997 | 30 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 43.33% | 44 | 32 | |
 |
Hannover 96 Hannover 96 Hannoverscher Sportverein von 1896, commonly referred to as Hannover 96, Hannover or simply 96, is a German association football club based in the city of Hanover, Lower Saxony.-Foundation to WWII:... |
July 1999 | February 2000 | 34 | 12 | 8 | 14 | 35.24% | 56 | 56 | 0 |
 |
Iran | February 2002 | September 2002 | 14 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 28.5% | 16 | 12 | |
| |
Iran U-23 Iran national under-23 football team Iran national under-23 football team represents Iran in international football competitions in Olympic Games and Asian Games, as well as any other under-23 international football tournaments... |
September 2002 | October 2002 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 66.6% | 16 | 2 | |
| |
Iran | October 2003 | July 2006 | 42 | 28 | 7 | 7 | 66.6% | 101 | 40 | |
| |
NK Dinamo Zagreb | Nov 2006 | Jan 2008 | 33 | 30 | 2 | 1 | 93% | 84 | 22 | |
 |
Shandong Luneng | April 2010 | July 2011 | 36 | 21 | 10 | 5 | 58.3% | 67 | 42 | |
 |
Ettifaq | July 2011 | Present | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 90% | 17 | 4 | |
Honours
Croatia (as assistant coach)- 1998 FIFA World Cup1998 FIFA World CupThe 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
Third place: 1- 19981998 FIFA World CupThe 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
- 1998
Iran (as assistant coach)
- WAFFWest Asian Football FederationThe West Asian Football Federation , founded in 2001, is an association of the football playing nations in Western Asia. Its founding members are Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria....
Third place: 1- 2002
Iran-U23
- Asian GamesFootball at the 2002 Asian GamesFootball at the 2002 Asian Games was held in Busan, South Korea from September 27 to October 13, 2002.Age limit for the men teams is under-23, same as the age limit in football competitions in Olympic Games, while three overage players are allowed among each squad.-Medal table:-Medalists:-Group...
Winner: 1- 2002Football at the 2002 Asian GamesFootball at the 2002 Asian Games was held in Busan, South Korea from September 27 to October 13, 2002.Age limit for the men teams is under-23, same as the age limit in football competitions in Olympic Games, while three overage players are allowed among each squad.-Medal table:-Medalists:-Group...
- 2002
Iran
- AFC/OFC Cup ChallengeAFC/OFC Cup ChallengeThe AFC – OFC Challenge Cup was a football tournament, set up as the successor of the discontinued Afro-Asian Cup of Nations. It was a biannual event, with Oceania represented by the winners of the OFC Nations Cup and Asia alternately by the winners of the Asian Cup and those of the Asian...
winner:1- 2003
- West Asian Football Federation ChampionshipWest Asian Football Federation ChampionshipThe West Asian Football Federation Championship is a football competition of mainly West Asian countries and territories. The event is organised by West Asian Football Federation...
winner: 1- 2004
- Asian CupAFC Asian CupThe AFC Asian Cup is an international association football tournament run by the Asian Football Confederation . It is the second oldest continental football championship in the world after Copa América. The winning team becomes the champion of Asia and automatically qualifies for the FIFA...
- Third Place: 1
- 20042004 AFC Asian CupThe 2004 AFC Asian Cup football competition is the thirteenth staging of AFC Asian Cup. It was held from July 17 to August 7, 2004 in China. The defending champions Japan defeated China in the final in Beijing....
- 2004
- Third Place: 1
China
- 2010 Chinese Super League2010 Chinese Super LeagueThe 2010 Chinese Super League season was the seventh season since the establishment of the Chinese Super League, the seventeenth season of a professional association football league and the 49th top-tier league season in China....
winner:1- 2010