Paulo Bento has been fired as head coach of the United Arab Emirates football team just hours after a 2-1 win Tuesday over North Korea kept alive its slim automatic hopes of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
That victory, which came with a goal in the 98th minute, puts the UAE four points behind second-place Uzbekistan in Group A with two games remaining. The top two teams from each of the three Asian groups are guaranteed a place in the tournament to be hosted next year by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“The UAE Football Association has decided to dismiss the head coach of the national team, Paulo Bento, along with his coaching staff,” the UAE football association posted on social media.
The 55-year-old Portuguese coach led South Korea to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, 10 years after he took Portugal to the last four of the European Championships. He was appointed in July 2023 to succeed Rodolfo Arruabarrena.
If the UAE misses out on second place, then there is another round of qualification as the teams that finish third and fourth in their respective groups play off for two remaining World Cup places.
UAE’s next qualifier is against Uzbekistan at home on June 5.
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“It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I am very excited,” Bobb told FFCtv.
“I have always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium.”
Bobb sought insight from Norway teammate Sander Berge before the move to Craven Cottage.
“I spoke to Sander, my good friend, and I spoke to the manager and he explained what the system’s like and how the lads are and how the club is. He (Silva) seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically,” he said.
Fulham, who visit Manchester United on Sunday, are seventh in the Premier League.
Paulo Bento fired as head coach of the UAE national football team
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Paulo Bento fired as head coach of the UAE national football team
- Sacking announced just hours after a UAE win on Tuesday over North Korea
- UAE’s next qualifier is against Uzbekistan at home on June 5
Fulham sign Man City winger Oscar Bobb
- The 22-year-old has joined Marco Silva’s side on a five-and-a-half-year deal
- “It feels great to be here,” Bobb told FFCtv
LONDON: Fulham signed Norway winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for a reported fee of £27 million ($37 million) on Friday.
The 22-year-old has joined Marco Silva’s side on a five-and-a-half-year deal, which reportedly includes a 20 percent sell-on clause.
A graduate of City’s youth academy, Bobb had slipped down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium after the arrival of Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth earlier in January.
“It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I am very excited,” Bobb told FFCtv.
“I have always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium.”
Bobb sought insight from Norway teammate Sander Berge before the move to Craven Cottage.
“I spoke to Sander, my good friend, and I spoke to the manager and he explained what the system’s like and how the lads are and how the club is. He (Silva) seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically,” he said.
Fulham, who visit Manchester United on Sunday, are seventh in the Premier League.
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