Spain Is Latest Team to Find a New Coach
Spain became the latest national soccer team to replace its coach after an early exit from the European Championship.
Luis Aragones was chosen by the Spanish soccer federation Thursday to replace Inaki Saez, who resigned last week after the team was eliminated in the first round of Euro 2004.
Aragones, who leaves his coaching job with Mallorca, signed a two-year contract that would take him through the 2006 World Cup. The 65-year-old Aragones was chosen over former Real Madrid coach Benito Floro, federation President Angel Maria Villar said.
Also Thursday, Germany continued looking for a coach after Ottmar Hitzfeld turned down the job.
Hitzfeld formerly coached Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s most successful teams. The Germans, who will be hosts of the 2006 World Cup, are seeking a replacement for Rudi Voeller, who stepped down last week after the team failed to make it out of the first round of Euro 2004.
Bulgaria Coach Plamen Markov also resigned after his team lost all three of its Euro 2004 matches.
Trouble for Dutch Player
UEFA charged Dutch forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy with allegedly insulting Swedish referee Anders Frisk after a 2-1 semifinal loss to Portugal on Wednesday in Euro 2004. The Manchester United striker risks a heavy fine and possible suspension.
Dutch media quoted Van Nistelrooy as saying Frisk was a “home referee. He whistled everything to the advantage of Portugal.”
The referee’s report of the match said Van Nistelrooy had told Frisk the same as soon as the final whistle blew.
Stadium News
Harrison, N.J., officials have voted to spend $130 million to build a stadium complex for the MetroStars, which would make them the fourth team to have a facility built purposely for a Major League Soccer team.
