FIFA World Cup 2014: Fate of the 32 World Cup coaches

Coaches who earned their stripes

Joachim Loew (Germany)

'Yogi' has added a World Cup to the 2008 Euro final he guided Germany to and it may get better yet. The 54-year-old has continued his strategy of creative exciting football with a seemingly endless stream of talented players. Undemonstrative and exudes calm from the bench he has earned huge respect from his players over the eight years he has been in charge. "Everyone changes over ten years, you gain experiences, you have triumph and defeats, but what he has preserved is a clear-cut philosophy," said captain Philipp Lahm.

Jorge Luis Pinto (Costa Rica)

Could be considered unlucky not to be coach of the tournament having taken the unheralded Costa Ricans to their best ever showing, a remarkable quarter-final penalty shoot-out loss to the Dutch. "During this World Cup we've done very beautiful things. Many people didn't believe in us but we have seen we can achieve wonderful things," said the 61-year-old Colombian.

Didier Deschamps (France)

Earned praise for his stewardship of the French through to the last eight, but the Germans exposed their limitations. Has engendered a seemingly natural spirit of bonhomie in a previously angry and moody outfit but much will be expected of the 45-year-old in two years time when France host Euro 2016 and fans will look to this crop to emulate their 1984 forebears who won the trophy at home.

Marc Wilmots (Belgium)

Known as 'War Pig', did enough to be entrusted with taking his 'Red Devils' on another campaign for the Euro 2016 qualifiers and for which Belgium could be live candidates for their first major title. Got them to the last eight in Brazil but never really threatened to beat Argentina. "I think we were easily the youngest of the quarter-finalists and there is a bright future ahead," said the 45-year-old.

Miguel Herrera (Mexico)

Enhanced his reputation and that of Mexico's after they had made a total mess of qualifying which he had managed to rescue. The pugnacious 46-year-old nicknamed the 'Louse' looks set for a productive time in charge but may need to temper his language about referees if he is not to see his wallet seriously hit. "Out of four matches, we had three where the referee was disastrous," he moaned prior to flying home.

Jorge Sampaoli (Chile)

Good tournament but though Chile played pretty football they lacked a killer touch up front especially against Brazil. However the 54-year-old Argentinian has much to look forward to especially next year as they host the Copa America, a tournament they have never won and last appeared in the final in 1987.

Jose Pekerman (Colombia)

Argentinian will take away far happier memories of these finals than in 2006 where he also exited in the quarter-finals. Here he has been credited with the stylish football the Colombians played and his compatriots lacked. The 64-year-old former taxi driver's contract is up in August and he has not commented on what he will do, although the country's president Juan Manuel Santos is adamant for him to stay because he has handled the team with "with class and professionalism".

Oscar Tabarez (Uruguay)

Suave 67-year-old former teacher couldn't repeat the feat of the 2010 semi-finals but given the furore aroused by Luis Suarez's biting incident he probably got a pass mark. Certainly he thought so and all indications are he intends to take the Copa America champions to Chile next year. "We beat difficult teams and overcame statistics about not beating European teams that are always rubbed in our faces," he said.

Jurgen Klinsmann (United States)

Pushed Belgium all the way in last 16 which gives the charming German coach plenty to be enthused about as he sets his sights on the 2018 World Cup. The 49-year-old is keenly aware there are still steps to be taken to make them serious players. "I think there is a little bit too much respect when it comes to the big stage -- why not play them eye-to-eye? I don't know how many years that takes to change but it's something we have to go through," he said.

Coaches who went out on their own terms

Ottmar Hitzfeld (Switzerland)

'Der General' ended his glittering career on a respectable last 16 showing with Switzerland who were two minutes away from taking Argentina to a penalty shootout. The 65-year-old took his place in the dugout despite the death of his brother on the eve of the game. "The job as a coach is difficult. I'm proud of my career. It has been a great time working for them (the Swiss) so I say goodbye with a heart full of emotions."

Fernando Santos (Greece)

The Portuguese asked for his contract not to be renewed before the finals and given the paucity of the football the Greeks produced many will be thankful he didn't stay on. After bowing out to Costa Rica on penalties the 59-year-old didn't pay a farewell visit to Athens with the squad but returned straightaway to Portugal where he lambasted them for going for individual glory.

Alejandro Sabella (Argentina)

Remarkable achievement in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup final since 1990 after just two years in charge and when several more recognised coaches had failed in the same role. However, looks like, according to his agent, the 61-year-old will seek new challenges after the final whatever happens. Timing of announcement coming 48 hours before final maybe his first misjudgement.

Louis van Gaal (NED)

Will arrive at Manchester United in the style any disciplinarian coach would wish for, with his authority enhanced leaving little room to argue with him. Masterstroke of replacing Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul for penalty shootout with Costa Rica tempered by negative unadventurous performance against Argentina. May not be the coup it seemed for United hiring the 62-year-old but then compared to David Moyes anything would be better.

Carlos Queiroz (Iran)

Did an honest job with Iran despite many difficulties but announced he would not stay on even before their elimination in the group stage was certain. The 61-year-old wants to take on an African team, he was born in Mozambique, and hopes he will have more support than he received with Iran.

Vahid Halilhodzic (Algeria)

Fiery Bosnian leaves the Algerian post having guided them into a historic second round place where they lost in extra-time to Germany. However, aside from almost non-existent relations with the domestic press the 61-year-old felt he needed to move on. "I leave proud of my record after serving out my contract with the FAF. Having lived for three years in Algeria, my family obligations and the attraction of new sporting challenges weighed heavily on my decision."

Stephen Keshi (Nigeria)

Nigerian football is in turmoil but it has nothing to do with the coach. He guided them to the second round of the finals after landing the Africa Cup of Nations last year. He said he was shocked when it was announced he had resigned but it seems only a matter of time before that is confirmed and South Africa is his likely destination. "Resignations are not done on the pages of newspapers, but formally," said the 52-year-old.