Basile resigns as Argentina coach

BUENOS AIRES.

Argentina coach Alfio Basile has stepped down from his job for "personal reasons", the country's football federation announced.

Basile, 64, has been under fire since his team's lacklustre showing in the World Cup qualifier against Chile on Wednesday, a game Argentina lost 1-0 to leave them third in the group.

It was Chile's first ever qualifying success over the albiceleste and first since 1973.

Argentina's poor form stretches back over seven games, however, with only one win notched up in that time: a 2-1 victory over Uruguay last week.

Basile signed up as Argentina coach in July 2006.