Mexico’s Coach Fired

Bora Milutinovic has been fired as coach of the Mexican soccer team, less than a month after helping his team clinch a World Cup berth.

Milutinovic, who coached Mexico to the quarterfinals of the 1986 tournament and led the United States to the second round in 1994, is the only man to coach three different teams in the World Cup. He coached Costa Rica to the second round in 1990. He was rehired by Mexico on Aug. 11, 1995.

The eight-member national council of Mexico’s soccer federation said its decision was unanimous. Council president Juan Jose Leano said the federation will take the next 72 hours to evaluate potential replacements.

Mexico was first in regional qualifying for next year’s World Cup with a 4-0-6 record but disappointed its fans by finishing with ties against the United States, Canada and Costa Rica. During a scoreless tie against the United States in Mexico City on Nov. 2, fans chanted “Bora Out!” even though the point ensured Mexico a spot in the 32-nation World Cup field.