LEIPZIG, June 25: Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe said he wanted to stay on in the job to pursue his vision for Mexican soccer after his side were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina on Saturday.

Mexico took a deserved lead against the South Americans through captain Rafael Marquez but were undone by an own goal from striker Jared Borgetti and a superb volleyed winner from Maxi Rodriguez in extra time.

La Volpe, who is from Argentina, said his contract expired with Mexico's elimination from the tournament and it was up to the country's soccer federation to decide on his future.

“I hope to stay,” he told reporters. “I would like to continue my work and continue to follow my ideas.”

La Volpe has rejuvenated Mexico during his three-and-a-half years in charge by introducing promising young talent, but he has also courted controversy with some of his selections.

The experience of playing in the World Cup in Germany would stand players such as Marquez and some of the younger squad members in good stead for the 2010 competition in South Africa, he added.

“Everyone in the world knows now that Mexico can play good football, that's a fact,” La Volpe said.

“Today we played Argentina on equal terms and that's something that must be acknowledged.”—Reuters