Martino stays on as Paraguay coach

Published Jul. 16, 2010 9:35 p.m. ET

foxsports

Gerardo Martino has agreed to coach Paraguay's national team through next year's Copa America, the South American continental championship.

Martino, an Argentine, said Friday he would stay in the job until next year's tournament and would decide after that if he will continue to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

''I have decided to continue as coach of the Paraguay national team until next year's South American championship,'' Martino said on radio Primero de Marzo.

Martino guided Paraguay to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time earlier this month.

Some reports have speculated that he could be a replacement for Diego Maradona if Maradona steps down as Argentina coach. Earlier this week the Argentine football association said it would offer Maradona a new contract to continue through 2014, and the two parties are expected to meet next week.