The Iraq Football Association has appointed Brazilian Jorvan Vieira to coach the country's national team. Vieira replaces Akram Salman, who was sacked last month after Iraq's early exit from the Arabian Gulf Cup in the United Arab Emirates in January, the football association's president, Hussein Saeed, told Associated Press. He said Vieira was hand picked from a shortlist, after 40 candidates applied for the job. Saeed would not disclose any details on the terms and amount of the contract, which will see Vieira lead the Iraqi team in July in Bangkok, where it takes on co-host Thailand, Oman and Asian newcomer Australia in Group A in the AFC Asian Cup 2007.