Portugal coach Fernando Santos leaves job following Qatar World Cup debacle

Following Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2022 exit in the quarterfinal stage, head coachFernando Santos has left the job. Portugal made it to the last 8 of the Qatar World Cup after topping Group H (2 wins and 1 loss) and beating Switzerland 6-1 in the pre-quarters. Despite having the momentum on their side, Santos' Portugal failed to go past the quarterfinals where they suffered a shocking 0-1 loss at the hands of Morocco.

Moreover, star striker Cristiano Ronaldo andFernando Santos didn't seem to be on the same pageduring the tournamentas it looked like their relationship turned bitter after the group games ended. As a matter of fact, Santos started Ronaldo on benchin both pre-quarters and quarterfinal.

Though Portugal advanced to the last-8with a more-than-comfortable win over the Swiss, the Euro 2016 winners struggled big time against Morocco, at least in the first half of the QF. Ronaldo, who was brought on in the second half did bring energy but couldn't inspire his team to win the match and cruisefurther.

Santos, whojoined Portugal in 2014 as their head coach was criticised heavilyfor this tactics of his; although he later he doesn't regret taking the call of starting Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench.

“No, I don’t think so, no regrets. Cristiano is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary, so no regrets," Santos had said after the match against Morocco.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by thePortuguese Football Federation (FPF)on Thursday, it is stated,"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 added,"In addition to the titles won, Fernando Santos became the coach with the most games and most victories," FPF said. "It was an honour to have a coach and a person like Fernando Santos as the head of the national team."