Batista might win job with results

Interim coach Sergio Batista's future with the Argentina team will be on the line in upcoming friendlies against Ireland and World Cup champion Spain.

Julio Grondona, president of the Argentina Football Association, hinted Friday that Batista could get the job permanently if Argentina wins both matches - at Ireland on Aug. 11 and at home against Spain on Sept. 7.

Batista was named interim coach after the AFA on Tuesday declined to renew the contract to Diego Maradona. Batista has been Argentina's youth-team manager and led Argentina to the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics.

Others being mentioned include Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella, Claudio Borghi of Boca Junior and two who are out of work - Carlos Bianchi and Diego Simeone.

Asked if winning both games might land Batista the job permanently, Grondona replied: ''Could be.''

Grondona said there was no rush to name the new coach.

''The doors are open for everybody,'' he said.

Grondona declined to comment more on Maradona. A day after his contract was not renewed, Maradona accused Grondona of lying to him, and said Carlos Bilardo - the Argentine national team director - had betrayed him.

Grondona said that Bilardo, who is set to hold a news conference next week, would not be talking more about Maradona's dismissal.

''The less said about the topic, the fewer chances to make mistakes,'' Grondona said.

Grondona announced that Argentina and Brazil have agreed to play two friendly matches annually, using only players based in the local leagues. Each country will get an annual home game. Although no specific details were announced about scheduling, it's been suggested that one match will be played this year, with two in 2011.

The annual matches between the two powers should build excitement in the buildup to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Both countries were ousted in the quarterfinals in this year's tournament in South Africa. Brazil has won the World Cup five times and Argentina has won twice.