Bogota, Jan 6: The Colombia football federation says Argentina's Jose Pekerman has agreed to take over as coach of the country's national team.
In a statement Thursday, the federation said it had reached an agreement with Pekerman, who coached Argentina at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The body said it expected Pekerman to sign a contract shortly.
Colombia fired coach Leonel Alvarez last month after three World Cup qualifying matches yielded just four points. Alvarez took over from Hernan Dario Gomez, who resigned after reports he hit a woman outside a Bogota bar in August.
"The executive committee of the Colombian federation ... has arrived at an agreement in the last few hours with Argentine Jose Nestor Pekerman," the statement said. "In the coming days we expect the contract to be signed."
Pekerman, 62, played as a midfielder at Colombia club Independiente Medellin in the late 70s. He also played for Argentinos Juniors in Argentina.
Pekerman has coached several club teams in Argentina and Mexico.
He coached Argentina to the World Cup in 2006, and resigned after the losing to host Germany in the quarterfinals. Argentina played a 1-1 draw with Germany but lost 4-2 on penalties.
Colombia's next World Cup qualifiers are in June.
