Bogota (AFP) – Argentine Jose Pekerman stepped down as Colombia coach on Tuesday, less than two months after leading the side into the knock-out stages of the World Cup in Russia.
The 69-year-old had been in the job since 2012 and led Colombia to successive World Cup finals appearances.
A Yerry Mina goal deep into stoppage time gave Colombia a 1-1 draw with England in the last 16 in Russia but the South Americans were then knocked out on penalties.
Colombian Football Federation president Ramon Jesurun praised Pekerman’s “highly successful” spell in charge.
Under Pekerman, Colombia reached the World Cup quarter-finals in Brazil four years ago, losing to the hosts.
They also made the last eight of the 2015 Copa America, while finishing third a year later in the centenary edition.
Pekerman previously coached Argentina at the 2006 World Cup, where they lost to hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.
