World Cup-Bound Saudi Arabia Fires Manager Edgardo Bauza

World Cup-bound Saudi Arabia has fired coach Edgardo Bauza nine days before the draw.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) – World Cup-bound Saudi Arabia has fired coach Edgardo Bauza nine days before the draw.

The Saudi Arabia Football Federation announced the Argentine coach's exit after only five friendlies in charge. The team lost to Portugal and Bulgaria this month.

Bauza has been fired twice this year by teams in the World Cup lineup. He lost the Argentina job in April, after eight months in charge, when the two-time World Cup champions risked missing out on qualification.

In September, Bauza was appointed by Saudi Arabia to replace Bert van Marwijk, who was fired despite leading the team to its first World Cup since 2006.

Saudi Arabia joins Australia without a coach for the World Cup draw in Moscow on Dec. 1.