Paraguay coach Martino quits, citing other offers

[Mooche]

ASUNCION, Paraguay -- Coach Gerardo Martino is leaving the Paraguay national team and striker Roque Santa Cruz says this was his last World Cup.

Martino and Santa Cruz announced their plans Monday as the team arrived home following a 1-0 loss in the quarterfinals to Spain.

An Argentine, Martino said his four-year contract had expired, but he promised fans greeting the team that he would help with the transition to a new coach. Without being specific, he said he had job offers in Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

Manchester City forward Santa Cruz said this was his last World Cup, citing wear and tear on his body. Santa Cruz said he might play in the 2011 South American continental championship -- the Copa America -- which will be played in Argentina.

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Sucks for the program to see this happen. This team really impressed me this year, as much as people were saying they fluked out a lot of games... they had one hell of a frustrating defensive scheme. I hated watching our POS offense try and attack it. <____< Regardless, tough loss for Paraguay.

 

[mg91]

Theyll be fine. Solid generation of players. Most decent managers will do a good job with this team.

 

[Mooche]

True, I think at the end of the day they should be fine. It is just terrible to see them lose a manager after such an impressive run.