Portugal Coach Paulo Bento Out After Albania Upset, Poor World Cup

LISBON, Portugal — Portugal coach Paulo Bento has quit because of poor results, including a 1-0 shock defeat against Albania on Sunday.

Bento’s departure was by mutual agreement, and his replacement would be announced soon, the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement Thursday without elaborating.

Bento took charge four years ago and steered Portugal to the 2012 European Championship semifinals. But at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the Portuguese disappointed. They exited in the first round and lost to visiting Albania in their first qualifier for Euro 2016.

Portuguese fans jeered and waved white handkerchiefs after the Albania upset, and Bento was under fierce pressure to quit.

Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t fully fit at the World Cup and sat out the Albania game. His absence left the Portuguese wanting in front of goal and looking average.

Portugal’s next game in its Euro 2016 qualifying campaign is against Denmark on Oct. 14.

Bento, aged 45 and a former Portugal midfielder, was one of Europe’s most inexperienced national coaches when he replaced Carlos Queiroz in September 2010, having coached only Sporting Lisbon in a top flight.

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