The mastermind of Italy's back-to-back wins in 1934 (right with his team) and 1938, he exploited to the full the laxity of FIFA's eligibility rules, importing numerous players from South America. His teams were rough and ready, even brutal at times, but he ranks alongside Arsenal's innovative Herbert Chapman as one of the key tactical thinkers of the Thirties.

Helmut Schoen

Helmut Schoen's teams were runners-up in 1966, semi-finalists in 1970, winners in 1974 and reached the final group stage in 1978. The 1970 team which lost 3-4 to Italy in a remarkable semi-final was perhaps his most attractive, with Uwe Seeler's experience complementing Gerd Muller's precocious brilliance up front and Franz Beckenbauer at his peak further back. Continuity was his great legacy, with both Beckenbauer and team-mate Berti Vogts succeeding him.

Cesar Luis Menotti

Turned Argentina's lightweight 1974 team into the world champions on home soil in 1978. The flamboyant, left-wingchain-smoker couldn't repeat the feat in 1982, but ushered in a period when Argentina were a consistently feared World Cup force for the first time.

Carlos Bilardo

The antithesis of Menotti, creating dour and destructive teams. His triumphant 1986 squad nevertheless reached brilliant new heights with Diego Maradona at his peak. Shorn of much of that talent in 1990, he coaxed a limited team to the final, which they lost only by a penalty.

Franz Beckenbauer

Lost to Bilardo's Argentina in 1986, but came back to defeat them in 1990, to become only the second man after Zagallo to win the World Cup both as a player and a coach. Both teams powerfully sustained the legend of German durability. Hard to fault for getting the best out of his resources.