The World Cup-winning coach for Argentina, Cesar Luis Menotti, has passed away at the age of 85. He led the country to victory in the 1978 tournament held on home soil, defeating the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time with two goals from Mario Kempes, who was named the player of the tournament.
Menotti had an illustrious career spanning 37 years that included stints in various countries such as Italy, Mexico, Uruguay, and Argentina. During his playing days as a striker for Brazilian side Santos alongside Pele, he earned only 11 international caps. However, he transitioned into coaching and became known for his tactical skills and ability to motivate players.
One of his most significant achievements came during his tenure as coach of Barcelona when he won two trophies in two seasons. In 1974, he took over as the national team coach for Argentina and led them to victory in the World Cup despite controversy surrounding his decision not to include a 17-year-old Diego Maradona in the squad.
Maradona played a crucial role in helping Argentina win the Under-20 World Cup but was left out of the national team for their next major tournament – the 1982 World Cup in Spain where they were eliminated by Brazil with Maradona receiving a red card. Despite this disappointment, Menotti’s legacy as one of Argentina’s greatest coaches lives on through their success on the field under his leadership.
In conclusion, Cesar Luis Menotti’s passing marks a significant loss to football history and his impact will continue to be felt long after he is gone. His coaching skills and ability to lead teams to success have left an indelible mark on many players’ careers and are sure to inspire future generations of coaches.
