/world sport
VIENNA, Austria (AP) -- Former Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner will take over the Austrian national side, replacing Josef Hickersberger after a disappointing European Championship campaign.
Bruckner quit as Czech Republic coach after they were eliminated from the Euro 2008 finals in the group stages.
The Austrian football federation confirmed Bruckner's appointment on Friday.
Bruckner, who was missing at the federation's news conference in Vienna, will be officially presented next Monday.
"He is one of the most experienced coaches of a national team in Europe," said federation president Friedrich Stickler.
"He is a successful coach not just with the national team, but he had also great results in working with youth teams."
The 60-year-old Hickersberger quit his post after co-hosts Austria failed to advance past the group stage at last month's Euro 2008 finals. Austria lost 1-0 to both Croatia and Germany and drew 1-1 with Poland.
The 68-year-old Bruckner also resigned from his Czech position after they were knocked out in the group stage. He has been replaced by Petr Rada.
Bruckner took charge of the Czech team after their failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, and led them to the semifinals of Euro 2004 and a berth in the 2006 World Cup finals.
His first match in charge of Austria will be a friendly against world champions Italy in Nice, France, on August 20.
Austria start their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign against France in Vienna on September 6 and will also play Romania, Serbia, Lithuania and the Faroe Islands in Group 7.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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