Former Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza has been appointed to lead the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf nation said on Thursday.

Bauza replaces Mahdi Ali, who resigned following a 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss against Australia in March.

The well-travelled Bauza managed his native Argentina until last month when he was removed after a series of disappointing performances in World Cup qualifiers.

He will now be charged with getting the UAE into their first World Cup since 1990. They are struggling in fourth place in Asian Group B but still hope to secure a playoff spot.