Juan Carlos Lorenzo, 79; Coached Argentina in ‘62, ’66 World Cups

Juan Carlos Lorenzo, 79, who coached Argentina to World Cup appearances in 1962 and 1966, died Wednesday in Buenos Aires of heart failure.

Lorenzo’s coaching career began in Argentina and carried him to positions in the top divisions in Italy, Spain and France. He coached Argentina to the quarterfinals of the 1966 World Cup in England. In that controversial match, Argentina faltered after its captain, Antonio Rattin, was sent off by a German referee.

Lorenzo made his professional debut in 1940 and played in Argentina and Europe. He retired in 1958 and three years later began coaching in Argentina. He returned to Europe before going back to Argentina.

Lorenzo endeared himself to Argentine fans during the late 1970s as coach of the country’s most popular club, Boca Juniors. He led the team to two league titles and the South American Libertadores Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 1977.