BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Sergio Batista was appointed as coach of Argentina on Tuesday, just over three months after Diego Maradona departed in the wake of the country’s loss to Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Batista had been the acting coach since Maradona’s contract was not renewed in late July and his appointment to a four-year contract by the Argentine Football Association was widely expected. In charge for three matches, he has won two, including a 4-1 victory over World Cup winner Spain. The only blemish was a 1-0 loss last month against Japan.
Batista’s first match as the permanent coach will be Nov. 17 against archrival Brazil in Doha, Qatar. The team for the match was also announced Tuesday, headed by Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
