体坛英语新闻：Batista to be named Argentina coach

BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Argentina Football Association (AFA) said on Monday that Sergio Batista will succeed Diego Maradona as Argentina's national team coach.

AFA said its president Julio Grondona, who appointed Maradona two years ago, will have the final say in selecting Batista on Tuesday.

Batista has been the interim coach since Maradona was sacked after Argentina lost to Germany 4-0 in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Batista's first game as the permanent replacement would be against archrival Brazil on Nov. 17 in Doha, Qatar.