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Stepping down Bolivia coach resigns after dismal Copa showing
LA PAZ (Reuters) -- Bolivia coach Carlos Aragones resigned on Wednesday following his team's dismal performance at the Copa America in Colombia. Aragones handed in his notice even though the Bolivian Football Federation had decided the previous day to keep him in the job. Bolivia lost all three matches at the Copa America, failed to score a goal and bowed out by losing 4-0 to Costa Rica in their final match last week. They are also effectively out of the running for a place at next year's World Cup. The Bolivians are seventh in the South American group with 13 points from 13 games and their three wins have all been in La Paz, where they enjoy the advantage of playing at 3,600 meters above sea level. Aragones, speaking at a news conference in the city of Santa Cruz, said he was not getting enough backing from the country's soccer officials. The ex-coach, who has largely dispensed with the services of foreign-based players such as Marco Etcheverry and Erwin Sanchez, called on his successor to continue his policy of relying on younger players. "We need to project new figures and help young players make the grade, as they are the ones who have the job of giving a new face to our football," he said. Bolivia played 23 matches in Aragones' 18-month reign, winning four, drawing five and losing 14. Only Ecuador, Argentina and Paraguay have kept the same coach since the South American World Cup qualifying competition began in March last year.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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