Portugal sacks Fernando Santos after quarterfinal horror against Morocco in the 2022 FIFA World Cup


Portugal sacks Fernando Santos after quarterfinal horror against Morocco in the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Portugal manager Fernando Santos at the FIFA World Cup

Portuguese manager Fernando Santos was released from his managerial duties. He is no longer in charge of the Portugal national team after his country’s quarter-final exit. Despite having a team struck with talent and experience, Santos failed to guide Portugal to the highest potential his squad deserves in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

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Fernando Santos was the head of Portugal for eight long years and shared a very special bond with Portugal’s hero Cristiano Ronaldo. His tactics won them UEFA Euros Cup in 2016. The 68-year-old also managed the team in two FIFA World Cups.

The Portuguese manager did his best to compete with the big boys in the World Cup but failed to beat the African side of Morocco in a heartbreaking match for Cristiano Ronaldo. Fernando Santos also boldly called to bench Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup halfway through the competition. It did give him and the Portugal side good results against South Korea and Switzerland.

Santos’ decision of stepping down from the job echoed as rumors right after Portugal’s exit from the FIFA World Cup but it was made official today. Who do you think would be Portugal’s next manager?

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Read more- Morocco bow out of FIFA World Cup but win hearts of every football fan

Portugal’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Campaign

Portugal came to Qatar as one of the favorites to win the competition. The Europeans had a thrilling start in the FIFA World Cup, winning 3-2 against Ghana in their tournament’s opening game. They also cruised past Uruguay with a comfortable 2-0 win at Lusail. Although they qualified for the knockout stages, Portugal lost their third game against South Korea.  

After smashing Switzerland 6-1 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, Portugal faced the underdogs of this tournament, Morocco. Fernando Santos’ side failed to score against the solid African defense as the Portuguese World Cup dreams were broken after En-Neysri’s towering header.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to achieve his only accomplishment, as he announced that this would be his last FIFA World Cup. he was seen leaving the stadium in tears as he could not do enough for his country this World Cup, just like the CR7 we all knew.

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Also Read- Morocco coach Walid Regragui concedes that their lackluster start against France led to their downfall in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal