Colombian President urges coach to stay

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos thanked his country's football team for their strong World Cup performance, and urged sports officials to keep the side's Argentine coach.

An emotional Santos, wearing the team's yellow jersey, thanked the players and coach Jose Pekerman for taking Colombia to the tournament's quarter finals for the first time.

"Many thanks to our players who gave it all in the field, with honor, dignity and clean play," Santos said. "What pride!"

Santos, who flew to Brazil for the match, asked the Colombian federation to keep Pekerman, who guided the team "with class and professionalism."

Pekerman's contract with Colombia ends in August, and he has said nothing about life after the World Cup.