World Cup 2014: Vahid Halilhodzic quits as Algeria boss

Vahid HalilhodzicAlgeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic has left his role despite a personal plea from the country’s president to stay.

The Bosnian steered the Desert Foxes to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time before they lost 2-1 in extra time to Germany in the last 16.

Algeria president Abdelaziz Bouteflika asked Halilhodzic to stay but he cited “the lure of a new sporting challenge” as one of the reasons for going.

The 61-year-old is expected to named the new coach of Trabzonspor in Turkey.

Algeria lost 2-1 to Belgium in their opening match in Brazil before defeating South Korea 4-2.

A 1-1 draw against Russia was enough to secure a place in the second round and spark mass celebrations in Algeria.

Former Ivory Coast manager Halilhodzic was appointed Algeria coach in July 2011 on a three-year contract.

Source: BBC Sport