SANTIAGO, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chilean midfielder Gary Medel Thursday said the national team wants Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli to stay on, in the wake of the team's good showing in the World Cup.
"We would like Jorge Sampaoli to continue (as coach) until the next World Cup (2018 in Russia) and to be able to win the America Cup next year," said Medel.
Chile was eliminated in the round of 16, but only after an evenly matched game against football powerhouse Brazil, which ended in a tie in regulation time. Chile finally lost in a penalty shootout, 3-2.
Medel, who plays for England's second-division Cardiff City, said he was still with that team, but added "I hope doors open, but nothing's been said so far."
Britain's Daily Mail had this to say about the defensive midfielder after the game: "Superhuman effort from Gary Medel not enough to see Chile battle past Brazil."
Near the end of the game, Medel was carried off in a stretcher after sustaining an injury, but is expected to recover in a month's time.
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