Storck sacked as Kazakhstan coach

The Football Federation of Kazakhstan (KFF) has sacked coach Bernd Storck after four successive defeats in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying.

Kazakhstan have begun their bid to reach Poland-Ukraine with losses to Group A rivals Turkey, Austria, Belgium and Germany, prompting today's decision to call time on Storck's two-year reign.

His final game proved to be Tuesday's 3-0 home reverse against FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Germany, a defeat which left Kazakhstan bottom of their section having conceded ten goals and scored none.

"We want to thank Bernd Storck for his work," said KFF general secretary Sayan Khamitzhanov. "We can see the team progressing because young players are gaining important experience. However, he had a task to collect at least three points in four matches and that was not done. That is why the federation has decided to turn to another coach."

German coach Storck, who won three of 14 matches in charge, moved to Kazakhstan in summer 2008 and initially presided over the Under-21s. He soon replaced Arno Pijpers at the helm of the senior side and was given the job on a permanent basis following a 5-1 World Cup qualifying defeat by England at Wembley.

"My aim was to play quality football and see the real team on the pitch," said Storck. The 47-year-old's replacement is not yet known, though their first fixture will be an eye-catching return trip to Germany on 25 March.