In Memoriam: Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Menotti dies at 85

He took over as Argentina's manager in 1974, but there was controversy around the 1978 victory.

Cesar Luis Menotti, Argentina's World Cup-winning coach, died at 85.

Coach Menotti led his side to victory on home soil in the 1978 event, beating the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time with two goals from player Mario Kempes.

"The Argentine Football Association regrets to report with great sadness the death of Cesar Luis Menotti, former world champion coach of Argentina," read the association's statement.

Menotti, a striker, played with Pele for Brazilian club Santos and earned 11 international caps.

He subsequently went on a 37-year coaching career, during which he won two trophies in two seasons with Barcelona and worked in Italy, Mexico, Uruguay, and Argentina.

He took over as Argentina’s manager in 1974, but there was controversy around the 1978 victory because he chose not to put 17-year-old Diego Maradona in the squad after giving him his international debut the previous year.

The next year, with Maradona on the roster, Menotti led Argentina to the Under-20 World Cup, defeating the Soviet Union 3-1 in the final.

His reign came to an end after Argentina lost 3-1 to Brazil in the second round of the 1982 World Cup in Spain, with Maradona being sent off.

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