SPAIN COACH:
Luis Aragones

Luis Aragones took over as coach in July 2004 -- he had turned down a previous offer -- after Spain endured a poor Euro 2004 under the guidance of Inaki Saez. Born during the Spanish Civil War on July 28, 1938, Aragones has always been a colorful character of the game, whether as a player or coach. He is referred to in many newspapers by his first name alone. He played for several clubs, including Real Betis, Oviedo and Recreativo, before joining Atletico Madrid for a decade in 1964. He led La Liga -- the Spanish First Division -- in scoring in 1969-70, gaining the nickname "Zapatones" -- big boots -- by becoming a free-kick specialist. After retiring from the game, he coached Atletico Madrid while the club was owned by the late Jesus Gil, who changed coaches more than some people change underwear. Aragones had a couple of stints as coach -- he gained another nickname there as "The Wise Man of Hortaleza." Although some sort of mental illness forced Aragones from the game for a while, he went on to coach Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia, Espanyol, Real Betis, Real Oviedo and Real Mallorca.