Former Greece, USA coach Panagoulias dies

Alketas "Alkis" Panagoulias, who coached his native Greece to the FIFA World Cup™ finals in 1994 and led USA between 1983 and 1985, died on Monday in Virginia, US Soccer confirmed on Tuesday. Panagoulias, who was 78-years-old, also coached the United States' 1984 Olympic team, which beat Costa Rica 3-0 in their opening match. He managed Greece from 1992-1994, guiding them to a first FIFA World Cup appearance. Panagoulias also coached Greece to their first major international tournament, the 1980 European Championship in Italy. A funeral for Panagoulias will be held on Friday 22 June. Hellenic Football Federation President Sofoklis Pilavios told UEFA.com that Panagoulias's death was "a big loss." "He was a great personality both in sport and the politics of sport," he said. "He was the pioneer that led the Greek football team to their first ever big successes."