FIFA World Cup 2022: Portugal part ways with coach Fernando Santos after World Cup exit

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has parted ways with the national team after his side fell to a 1-0 defeat in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the hands of Morocco.

“After one of the best participations ever by the national team in the final stages of the World Cup…FPF and Fernando Santos understand this is the right moment to start a new cycle," the FPF said in a statement.

“In addition to the titles won, Fernando Santos became the coach with the most games and most victories. It was an honour to have a coach and a person like Fernando Santos as the head of the national team." they further added.

The Portuguese coach started his managerial role with the team in 2014 and helped his team win the European Championship in 2016 and the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

Santos received a fair share of criticism over his recent tactics which saw him bench Cristiano Ronaldo in his last 2 games at the World Cup as well.

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