By Tim Vickery BBC Sport Online

An era in Argentina's national team came to an end last week with the resignation of Jos� Nestor Pekerman.

The ovation he received from the press was just reward for a magnificent spell of work.

For all the disappointments of the World Cup, Argentina have consolidated their place as a global power in the post-Maradona era - and much of that is down to Pekerman.

Eight years ago he was the surprise choice to take command of Argentina's Under-20 team.

His was not a glamorous name. After an unheralded playing career he had spells driving a taxi before finding his niche in youth coaching.

Juan Pablo Sorin has become an important part of the national side

But Argentina's FA boss Julio Grondona was alive to Pekerman's potential. And it was soon clear that his faith had not been misplaced.

Argentina won the World Youth Cup in 1995, and again in 97. They missed out in 99, but came roaring back in fine style to win again last year.

The Under-20s became known as 'The Fabulous Pekerboys'. Some of his graduates - Samuel, Sorin, Aimar - have already become key members of the senior Argentine side.

Plenty more are now knocking on the door. The future belongs to the likes of Saviola, D'Alessandro, Riquelme, Cambiasso, Burdisso, Rodriguez and Dominguez.

All have benefited, have learnt more about football and about life, from their contact with one of the game's bashful heroes.

"We've always worked in silence," said Pekerman, "because we believe that it has to be that way with kids."

But Pekerman is not content to just let his titles do the talking for him. As important as the victory is, the manner in which they are achieved are also paramount.

Pekerman has always put the emphasis on skill and talent, and takes huge pride in the fact that his sides are consistent winners of the Fair Play trophy.

So vast has been Pekerman's influence that he has even set the tone for the senior side.

Shared commitment

After France 98 he became co-ordinator of all Argentina's international teams. It was his decision to appoint Marcelo Bielsa as senior coach.

The two are close, and share a commitment to attacking football played in the right spirit.

During Italia 90 Argentina came across as a snarling, win-at-all-costs street gang.

In USA 94 their name was blighted by the Maradona drugs scandal.

This year's World Cup was, of course, a huge let down. But at least Argentina bowed out with honour.

From first to last they strained to find the dynamic rhythm which had made them such a joy to watch during their triumphant march through qualification.

The English press might have been slow to catch on, but Argentina's old hatchet-man image had never been less appropriate - for which Pekerman deserves the bulk of the credit.

Following the World Cup flop, Pekerman had the opportunity to take over from Bielsa as senior coach. He turned it down, a decision partly based on loyalty to his friend.

Argentina had a disappointing World Cup

So Bielsa has been given another chance. But he will be under intense pressure, and will not survive for long if results are disappointing.

Should he fall, Pekerman could well step in. He will be sure to face the accusation that he is a youth team coach who lacks experience at senior level.

But he is unlikely to have problems handling a side made up of ex-Pekerboys who have great respect for their former boss.

It could be that Pekerman's history with the Argentina national team was not ended last week, but only interrupted.