The Argentine federation has struck a deal that will allow Boca Juniors coach Alfio “El Coco” Basile to leave the club and take the national team helm Sept. 15. Basile coached Argentina at the 1994 World Cup, where it fell to Romania in the round of 16 after Diego Maradona was kicked out for failing a doping test.
Basile, 62, replaces Jose Pekerman, who quit after Argentina was eliminated on penalty kicks by host Germany at the 2006 World Cup. Basile guided Argentina to a 33-game win streak during his previous stint, which included Copa America titles in 1991 and 1993.
Basile, who coached clubs teams in Spain, Mexico and Uruguay in addition to his native Argentina, took charge of Boca Juniors in July of 2005 and guided them to Recopa Sudamericana, Argentine league and Copa Sudamericana titles.