Paulo Bento (54, Portugal), who led Korean football to the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, is reported to be appointed as the head coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Fabrizio Romano, who is recognized for the best public trust in the transfer market, reportedly agreed on his SNS on the 9th (Korea Standard Time) that Bento would take over as the new head coach of the UAE national team. The contract period is three years until 2026, he said. “We will sign the contract tomorrow (10th).” Romano is famous for “here we go,” which actually means official.
Earlier, Hekord, a trusted media outlet in Portugal, Bento’s home country, also said, “Bento is negotiating with the UAE,” adding, “When the contract is completed, Bento, who led the Korean national team between 2018 and 2022, will return to the Asian stage.” If Bento returns, he will sit on the bench again.
Bento left Korea after the Qatar World Cup. Initially, the renewal was discussed, but Bento declared goodbye to South Korea. Bento, who led Korean football for four and a half years, achieved a successful conclusion of the Qatar World Cup round of 16. Bento was a famous midfielder when he was active. He played as a defensive midfielder and enjoyed many honors. He also played in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup against Korea. After retiring, he became a leader.
Bento, who had been the head coach of Sporting and the Portuguese national team, continued his leadership career in Cruzeiru, Olympiacos, and Chongqing Ripan, but went downhill. There were also voices of concern when he was appointed to Korea. However, after he was appointed to Korea, he was recognized for his leadership with the distinct color of build-up soccer and proved his ability once again through the round of 16 at the World Cup. Bento left many achievements, including winning the East Asian Cup.
South Korea, led by Bento, advanced to the round of 16 with one win, one draw and one loss against Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal in the group stage. It was the first time in 12 years since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Although he lost to 토토사이트순위 Brazil in the round of 16, he ended his journey unfortunately, but active soccer was definitely impressive. His aggressive soccer, which does not back down against Brazil as well as the group stage, received a lot of positive reviews. The players also expressed satisfaction with Bento’s soccer. Bento made history as the longest-serving coach of Korean football and expressed his feelings, saying, “Korea will always remain in my career and life.”
South Korea, which sent Bento away, is preparing for the 2026 North-Central America World Cup by appointing Jurgen Klinsmann, a former German striker. Klinsmann did not win a single game with two draws and two losses in four A matches in March and June. He does not show a clear color and is being compared to his predecessor Bento. The Klinsmann is set for an expedition to Europe on Sept. The match against Wales has been completed, but the second match against Mexico has been canceled.
Bento, who was recognized for his ability in the World Cup, received love calls from several teams. The Polish national team was the most active in January. However, it was not achieved because the conditions were not met. He was also nominated for the English club and the Portuguese national team. Connected with various teams. UAE approached Bento, who had been resting for nearly half a year. Given the current atmosphere, the appointment is likely. Bento’s choice was once again Asia.
If Bento takes the helm of the UAE, he can reunite with the Taegeuk Warriors. He can lead the team from the second Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-Central America World Cup, which starts in November. As the number of tickets for the North-Central America World Cup has increased to 8.33, UAE is also likely to participate in the World Cup. From Bento’s point of view, there is a situation that can be challenged right now. The Asian qualifying schedule will be announced, and it is expected to meet with South Korea in the final qualifying round. As it is divided into the FIFA rankings, the top eight teams do not meet in the second qualifying round. The UAE is ranked 72nd in the FIFA rankings, ranking 8th in Asia. South Korea ranks 28th, followed by Japan, Iran and Australia.
In the second preliminary round, 18 teams will be divided into three groups and the final qualifying round will be up to second place in each group. The draw for the first and second preliminary rounds in Asia will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation is located, on the 27th.
It is highly likely to meet South Korea at the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar in January 2024. In the Asian Cup, South Korea was placed in Group E with Jordan, Bahrain and Malaysia. The UAE is in Group C along with Iran, Palestine and Hong Kong. South Korea and the UAE are likely to face off in the tournament. The UAE is also likely to advance to the round of 16 as it has an advantage over Palestine and Hong Kong, except for Iran. If the matchup between the two teams takes place, it can catch the eyes of Korean fans by itself. South Korean football is aiming to win the Asian Cup.