Ari Haan quits as Albania soccer coach

TIRANA, Albania - Ari Haan has quit as Albania coach after two losses left the team next-to-last in its World Cup qualifying group.

The Dutchman, whose departure was announced Thursday by the Albanian soccer federation, had been in the job since January 2008.

"The decision came as a result of the poor play of the national team in the last two matches," the federation said.

Albania lost 1-0 at home to Hungary on March 28 and 3-0 in Denmark four days later. Under Haan, Albania has won only one of seven matches and has six points in its group, seven behind leaders Denmark and Hungary.

A replacement has not been named.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)