Portugal boss leaves position after World Cup exit

Fernando Santos has parted ways with the team, it has been announced

Fernando Santos has left his role as Portugal manager less than a week after his team were dumped out of the FIFA World Cup by Morocco at the quarterfinal stage, it was confirmed on Thursday.  

A social media message issued by the Portuguese football association confirmed Santos’ departure on Thursday in which he was thanked for contributing to an “historical legacy” in Portuguese football. 

Portugal were among the favorites to lift the trophy in Qatar but couldn’t sustain a challenge despite finishing top of Group H after beating both Uruguay and Ghana in their opening fixtures.

However, Santos’ side suffered defeat in their final group game against South Korea – a match which appeared to have ignited a row between the coach and his captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was dragged off after an hour following a below par performance by the ex-Manchester United man.

Santos was said to be extremely unhappy with Ronaldo’s behavior after his withdrawal and opted to keep his star man on the substitutes’ bench for their 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the last 16 as well as their stunning defeat to Morocco. 

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