The United Arab Emirates Football Association sacked Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec following the team's 3-1 defeat against Lebanon in Beirut on Tuesday. The loss has all but ended hopes for the UAE to qualify for the final round of Asian qualifiers ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The squad had surprisingly lost 3-2 against Kuwait over the weekend and had needed a victory to keep their hopes alive. Brazilian coach Abel Braga, head coach for Fluminense Club in Brazil and the coach who led Al Jazira to win the Double last season, is the top choice to replace Katanec in order to prepare the team for their next match against group favorites South Korea in Seoul on October 11. The UAE trounced the Lebanese team 6-2 just last month in a friendly match, however on Tuesday the hosts showed more determination and fighting spirit. BM