Friday, October 17, 2008

Argentina Coach Basile Resigns
After World Cup Qualifier Loss to Chile

The first major casualty of World Cup qualifying happened yesterday when Argentina coach Alfio Basile resigned following a rough 1-0 loss to Chile. Argentina trails the South American group leaders Paraguay by seven points.

Basile has a history with Argentina as manager, taking them to the '94 World Cup in the U.S. where they were dumped out in the second round. His second tenure began after the '06 World Cup; he guided Argentina to the Copa America final last year, where as favorites they were hammered by Brazil, 3-0.

Speaking of Brazil, it can't seem to find a way to score goals, especially at home. This puts its manager Dunga in shallow water as well. Dunga couldn't guide Brazil past Colombia this week at home, settling for a 0-0 tie. You know that doesn't sit well with the home fans, especially after stomping all over Venezuela, 4-0, on Sunday.

The Goodbye Dunga chants were out in full force, and who could blame the fans after having to sit through another goalless performance at home, the team's third straight.

It's probably a matter of time before Dunga joins Basile on the sidelines. Diego Simeone is considered a front-runner to succeed Basile, among others.

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