Paulo Bento, left, receives a Portugal soccer team jersey from Gilberto Madail, President of the Portuguese Soccer Federation, while being presented as the new team head coach at the federation's headquarters Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, in Lisbon. The 41-year-old Bento replaces Carlos Queiroz, who was fired earlier this month.
LISBON, Sept. 21 -- Paulo Bento was named as Portugal soccer coach until the end of Euro 2012, the Portuguese Football Federation announced on Tuesday.
"Paulo Bento and his technical team will sign a contract until July 2012," the federation said.
Bento, 41, a former defensive midfielder who won 35 caps for Portugal, will succeed Carlos Queiroz, who was sacked earlier this month after some disciplinary run-ins with the federation and a string of poor results.
Portugal have made a poor start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, drawing 4-4 with Cyprus and losing 1-0 to Norway to leave them in fourth place in Group H.
Paulo Bento gestures while answering journalists after being appointed Portugal new soccer coach at the Portuguese Soccer Federation Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, in Lisbon. The 41-year-old Bento replaces Carlos Queiroz, who was fired earlier this month.
Paulo Bento gestures while answering journalists after being appointed Portugal new soccer coach at the Portuguese Soccer Federation Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, in Lisbon. The 41-year-old Bento replaces Carlos Queiroz, who was fired earlier this month.
(AFP)
