Saturday, July 01, 2006

Pekerman quits as Argentina coach

Jose Pekerman has quit as coach of Argentina following their quarter-final loss to Germany on penalties.
"This has come to an end and I will certainly not go on," he said.
"You have to make a decision and I'm convinced I've done everything in my reach, and it's time to look for something else. I'm very sorry for the coaches and the fans and the players, this team deserves to go further but we couldn't make it."
Argentina led through a Roberto Ayala goal but Miroslav Klose's late equaliser sent the game into extra-time. Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso both missed in the penalty shoot-out to see the hosts progress 4-2. The 56-year-old Pekerman added: "It was a very exciting match. We also played like favourites and gave our best although we lost.
"The penalties were a consequence of a very even match. It's a shame for Argentina who played very well and in the whole championship."
Klose's equaliser came eight minutes after Pekerman had taken off playmaker Juan Riquelme. The decision was heavily criticised by Soccer pundits.
Pekerman took over as Argentina coach in September 2004, having previously led the Under-20 side to three World Youth Championships.
Posted by Samvit :: 5:06 AM :: 0 comments

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