Cesar Luis Menotti, who led Argentina to victory in the 1978 World Cup, died at the age of 85, the country’s football organisation confirmed on Sunday.
Menotti, born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1938, gained 11 caps for Argentina in the 1960s before managing 11 clubs, some twice, and two national teams throughout a 37-year coaching career.
He is most known for leading Argentina to the 1978 World Cup and the next year’s under-20 title, as well as his dedication to a romantic ideal of football at a period when Argentina had earned a reputation for a cynical style that bordered on brutality.
Argentina won the 1978 World Cup final 3-1 after extra time, with flamboyant player of the tournament Mario Kempes scoring twice against a Dutch team without Johan Cruyff.
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