2010 World Cup managerial casualties
A World Cup is always an uncertain period for international managers – sackings and resignations are part and parcel of football’s most coveted tournament.
Several managers have already been relieved of their duties – or have walked – as the quarter-finals reach its conclusion; with a number of other coaches nervously awaiting the dreaded phone call.
The following is a list of those managers who have already gone, and also those poised to follow in their footsteps.
Javier Aguirre (Mexico)
Only Fabio Capello and Marcello Lippi were reported to be earning more money than Mexico coach Javier Aguirre at the 2010 World Cup. However, the 51-year-old who managed the Mexicans at the 2002 World Cup finals, announced that he had to step down after Mexico’s last 16 defeat against Argentina, claiming: “it’s the most honest thing to do.”
Mexico gave a good account of themselves in South Africa, but it was the fifth consecutive time that the national team had been eliminated in the second round, hence the reason for Aguirre tendering his resignation.
Huh-Jung Moo (South Korea)
Like Mexico, South Korea were also knocked out at the last 16 stage, and head coach Huh-Jung Moo has confirmed that he will not be seeking a second term. At 55, Huh stated that spending time with his family is now his main priority. He also added that there were other coaches in South Korea with the credentials to take on the role and take the national side to the next level.
The South Koreans were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup by Uruguay. Luis Suarez scored a brace in a 2-1 victory over Huh’s side, who continue to replicate the incredible achievements of 2002.
Takeshi Okada (Japan)
It was widely-presumed that Takeshi Okada would be stepping down after the World Cup. A series of poor performances in the warm-up matches done little to inspire confidence, but once Japan got to South Africa it was a different story entirely.
Before the tournament, Okada had bemused many in Japan by suggesting his side will reach the semi-finals. However, once they finished above Denmark and Cameroon to escape the group stages, and then met Paraguay in the last 16, the mood had shifted. Only a penalty shoot-out allowed the Paraguayans to beat Okada’s side, who done themselves proud. It’s rumoured that Okada is now keen to take a break from football, to take up poetry and farming.
Pim Verbeek (Australia)
It was announced back in March that Australia coach Pim Verbeek would step down after the World Cup finals. The Socceroos failed to escape the group stages, but did manage to record a credible 2-1 victory against Serbia.
Paul Le Guen (Cameroon)
The former Rangers and Paris St Germain manager announced his resignation not long after Cameroon became the first side to be knocked out of the 2010 World Cup. After the Indomitable Lions finished the group stages with three defeats from their three matches, Le Guen was left with little option but to flee with his tail between his legs.
Raymond Domenech (France)
Things could hardly have much worse for Raymond Domenech and France. In one of the most catastrophic World Cup campaigns in memory, unrest and pure bedlam in the French camp resulted in Les Blues finishing bottom of Group A and making an early exit from South Africa in disgrace. Domenech, who many believe should have gone after Euro 2008, has now been replaced by Laurent Blanc.
Otto Rehhagel (Greece)
As the oldest manager at this summer's World Cup finals, Otto Rehhagel was also one of the most experienced. However, his Greece side, who he'd been in charge of since 2001, were largely disappointing in South Africa. The 2004 European champions one just one of their group stage matches, and finished third in Group B. Rehhagel has since been replaced by Portuguese coach Fernando Santos.
Marcello Lippi (Italy)
The 2006 world champions were eliminated from the group stages of this summer's World Cup in embarrassing fashion. The Azzurri finished bottom of Group F – behind Paraguay, Slovakia and even New Zealand – in one of the biggest shocks of World Cup history. Lippi, who had led the national side to glory in '06, is left with his reputation tarnished, and has been replaced by Cesare Prandelli at the helm.
Sven-Goran Eriksson (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast were pitted alongside Brazil and Portugal in the "Group of Death" at this year's World Cup finals. It was Sven-Goran Eriksson's job to try and pull them through to the last 16. The Ivorians just missed out on a place in the second round, and Sven, who was only on a short-term contract, will surely be appearing at another high-paid job soon.
Lars Lagerback (Nigeria)
Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan was so unhappy with the national team's performances at the 2010 World Cup finals that he pulled them out of international competition for two years. The man in charge of their campaign, former Sweden manager Lars Lagerback, was only in temporary charge for the finals. After winning just one point out of a possible nine, it's no surprise that his contract hasn't been extended.
Carlos Alberto Parreira (South Africa)
The vastly experienced World Cup winning coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, was placed in charge of 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa. Sadly for Bafana Bafana, their dreams of advancing past the group stages did not come to fruition. Parreira has since been replaced by assistant manager Pitso Mosimane.
And now for those managers on the brink of the sack:
Dunga (Brazil)
Dunga was never the most popular of coaches in Brazil – even before the Brazilians were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup finals at the quarter-final stage to the Netherlands. Many had expected Dunga's side to at least reach the final, but it now looks increasingly likely that the 1994 World Cup winner will be replaced as national coach in the forthcoming weeks.
Carlos Queiroz (Portugal)
Like Dunga at Brazil, Carlos Queiroz was far from universally liked in his native country before the World Cup started. The public mood in Portugal did shift after a 7-0 group stage victory over North Korea, but following their 1-0 defeat to rivals Spain in the last 16, Queiroz once again finds his future very much in doubt.
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