Paulo Bento and the Portuguese Football Federation have decided to terminate their contractual relationship following a dreadful performance in this year’s World Cup in Brazil and an alarming start in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign after a 1-0 home defeat against Albania on Sunday. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the news on Thursday and as of yet no replacement has been announced.
Bento was named Portugal manager in September 2010, replacing fellow countryman Carlos Queiroz in the role. Bento led Portugal to reach the Euro 2012 semifinals where Spain narrowly beat them on penalties. The Portuguese coach qualified his country to the 2014 World Cup after an impressive display from Cristiano Ronaldo in a dramatic playoff against Sweden.
The World Cup didn't go well for Portugal as they didn't make it through the group stages. They lost their opening match against Germany 4-0 and then drew against the USA. They managed to beat Ghana 2-1 but their efforts were not enough as the USA went through with a better goal difference.
The Portuguese Football Federation mentioned in a statement that they are already working on a “structured solution."
Twitter reactions followed
A shame that Paulo Bento wasn't shown the door immediately after the Brazil debacle, to give his successor more time to prepare Euro 2016.
— Phil Town (@footballport) September 11, 2014
Finally Portugal have sacked Paulo Bento. Should have done it ages ago.
— Reginaldo Rosario (@Regi1700) September 11, 2014
He never chose the right teams, and his tactics were stale. #Portugal Good Riddance Paulo Bento.
— JLSDK05 (@JLSDK05) September 11, 2014
Finally Paulo Bento has been sacked! Interesting to see who gets the job. Vitor Pereira will be among the front runners I guess.
— James Vella (@jvella7gooner) September 11, 2014
Paulo Bento's best moment with the NT was today, when he resigned
— • sun • (@cutebutbroken) September 11, 2014