FIFA World Cup 2022: As Portugal's manager faces consequences for Cristiano Ronaldo's action, Bruno Fernandes speaks out

Portugal's defeat against Morocco in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 quarterfinals in Qatar caused severe heartburn for Portugal's football fans. Moreover, the coach's decision to leave out the Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo created a furore and sparked rumours of a rift in the team. Subsequently, the football authorities announced Santos’s removal as Portugal’s coach.

Successful today, gone tomorrow

Sometimes one failure is often enough for a coach to lose his job. Santos gained prominence as a coach when he guided Portugal to their win at Euro, 2016 considered a major global football tournament. But Portugal's World Cup loss changed the scenario completely. The 68-year-old Santos had a contract as Portugal’s coach till the summer of 2024, but on Thursday, he parted ways with the Portuguese federation.




However, a section of the fan’s attributes Santos's departure to Portugal's unceremonious exit from World Cup. The Renaldo controversy made news headlines, but Santos maintained that Portugal's departure has no connection with Ronaldo being in the playing eleven.

A smooth separation

Besides an emotional Bruno Fernandes, who took to Instagram to thank Santos profusely, The FPF (Portuguese federation) also thanked Santos and his team for the excellent job done for over eight years. Furthermore, Bruno called him (Santos) the best-ever football coach for Portugal.

FAQs:

1. Who is Bruno Fernandes?
   Bruno Fernandes is a Portuguese professional footballer. Bruno plays for Manchester United in the English Premier Football League. The attacking midfielder is well known for his goal-scoring ability.
2. When did Portugal first play in the World Cup?
   Portugal's first appearance in the World Cup was in 1966, when the team was placed third.