Tag: Paolo Bento

UAE Shocks Football World by Sacking Paulo Bento After Narrow Win Over North Korea

Dubai – In a surprising move, the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) has dismissed  the Portuguese Paulo Bento as head coach of the national team—just hours after a dramatic 2-1 victory over North Korea kept their slim 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The decision has left many observers puzzled, as the UAE remains in contention for a direct qualification spot. They currently sit four points behind second-placed Uzbekistan in Group A of the third round of Asian qualifiers, with two matches remaining. The top two teams from each group secure automatic entry to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Bento, who took charge in July 2023, was relieved of his duties alongside his entire coaching staff. The UAEFA announced the decision on social media without providing further details.

Why the Sudden Move?

Despite the win over North Korea—sealed by a late stoppage-time goal—the UAE’s recent form has been inconsistent. A 2-0 loss to Iran just days earlier had already put pressure on Bento’s position.

However, the team still has a realistic chance:

  • Direct qualification: If they overtake Uzbekistan in the final two matches.
  • Playoff route: Finishing third or fourth would enter them into an additional playoff round for one of Asia’s eight guaranteed World Cup spots.

Bento’s Track Record

The 55-year-old Portuguese manager is no stranger to high-stakes football:

  • Led South Korea to the 2022 World Cup knockout stage.
  • Guided Portugal to the Euro 2012 semifinals.
  • Took over the UAE after their previous coach, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, was dismissed.

Meanwhile, Iran became the first team from Group A to secure World Cup qualification after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan.

The sudden dismissal raises questions about the UAEFA’s long-term vision, especially with crucial matches looming. Who will replace Bento—and can they salvage the UAE’s World Cup dreams?

UAE Faces Crucial Clash Against Iran in World Cup Qualifiers

Thursday’s game between Iran and the UAE at Azadi Stadium marks the 21st meeting between the two neighboring nations at the senior international level. The UAE has managed just one victory, a friendly match win, and has yet to defeat Team Melli in an official competition. This winless record has become a psychological hurdle for the team, adding pressure on head coach Paulo Bento as he prepares his squad for two pivotal matches in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Apart from their encounter with Group A leaders Iran on March 20 in Tehran, the UAE will face North Korea on March 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With the stakes higher than ever, Bento has unveiled a 27-man squad featuring key reinforcements, including four newly naturalized players: Caio Lucas and Luan Pereira from Sharjah, Jonatas Santos from Al Wasl, and Alaa Al-Din Zuhair from Al Wahda. Their inclusion is expected to inject fresh energy into all areas of the team. The naturalization of Latin American and African players has been a successful strategy in the Persian Gulf nations, with Qatar being a prime example of its effectiveness.

Squad Reinforcements and Key Returns

For the UAE, key players returning to the squad include Sharjah goalkeeper Khalid Tawhid and Shabab Al Ahli striker Sultan Adel, both of whom have recovered from long-term injuries. Additionally, Al Jazira’s Abdullah Ramadan makes his comeback, providing Bento with more options in midfield.

One of the most anticipated additions is Brazilian-born forward Caio Lucas, whose long-awaited call-up could be a game-changer for the UAE’s attacking strategy. The UAE has struggled to convert chances in previous qualifiers, making Lucas’ clinical finishing and creativity crucial. His impressive record this season—20 goals and seven assists in 30 matches for Sharjah—highlights his ability to make a significant impact.

Lucas, who initially joined Al Ain in 2016 before moving to Benfica and later Sharjah, has built a reputation as a versatile forward with a sharp eye for goal. His recent performances in the AFC Champions League and domestic competitions demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure. Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Lucas expressed his excitement about representing the UAE:

“This is an opportunity I have long awaited. The UAE has been my home for years, and I want to give back by helping the team in any way I can. I will do everything to make a difference in these crucial matches.”

Jonatas Santos (23), another Brazilian-born talent, joined Al Ain Club in January 2020 and, after several successful seasons, moved to Al Wasl on loan this season, where he has been in excellent form. His performances have made him one of Bento’s key attacking options for the upcoming matches.

Tunisian-Emirati defender Alaa Al-Din Zuhair (25), who joined Al Wahda Club in 2020, has earned a regular starting position. Known for his defensive strength and ability to contribute goals from set-pieces, Zuhair’s inclusion aims to address defensive gaps that have cost the UAE crucial goals in recent matches.

Brazilian-Emirati midfielder Luan Pereira (24) has played for Sharjah Club for five seasons and is thrilled to be part of the national team. His performances this season—31 appearances, nine goals, and nine assists—have cemented his status as a key playmaker for both club and country.

A Must-Win Scenario for the UAE

Currently third in the group with 10 points from six matches, the UAE is in a fierce battle for direct qualification. They trail second-placed Uzbekistan by three points and hold a narrow lead over fourth-placed Qatar, making these upcoming fixtures decisive.

Iran, sitting comfortably at the top with 16 points, presents a formidable challenge. However, the UAE is determined to avenge their 1-0 loss in the first leg and secure a crucial victory to boost their qualification hopes. A win against Iran would not only close the gap but also provide momentum ahead of their showdown with North Korea—a team known for its resilience.

With everything on the line, Paulo Bento’s squad must deliver a performance worthy of their World Cup ambitions. Can the UAE rise to the occasion and stake its claim for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Head2Head

H / A / NMatchesWonDrawLostGoalsGoal Difference
H54104 – 0+4
A971115 – 4+11
N651010 – 1+9
Total20163129 – 5+24

Why does Carlos Queiroz not resign after failrues?

Republic of Korea’s Portuguese head coach resigned his post after the defeat against Brazil and the elimination from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the round of 16.

It is not the first resignation of a kind for coaches present at the most important football event in the world. Before him, the head coaches of teams like Mexico, Uruguay, etc. also resigned after being eliminated from the tournament. The World Cup domain is an exceptional opportunity for coaches who have been able to develop as head coaches in this important international field.

There are many renowned coaches in the world who have never experienced the competition and the atmosphere of the  FIFA World Cup as the head coach of a national team. So, if a coach shows up at this sporting event, he likes to be seen. There is a lot of exposure and perks in taking part in the IFA World Cup.

However, the same coaches who have been in important football events for many years, when they experience defeat or failure in the world’s most prominent football arena, inevitably, have no choice but to step down and resign with courage and honor. Maybe resigning from a national team is not digestible for any of the famous coaches, but they have accepted that they no longer have room to stay. The Portuguese head coach of South Korea has been one of the brave coaches in this FIFA World Cup. After South Korea lost to Brazil in the knockout stage, he said he was going to leave. Portuguese Paulo Bento has been working as the head coach of the South Korean national team since 2018. Carlos Queiroz’s Compatriot resigned in order to maintain his dignity and respect in the eyes of Korean football players and fans. Because he knows that staying in South Korea after being eliminated from the Qatar World Cup will not bring him any benefits. After all, he failed to achieve anything of significance in the Korean star-studded team that has many famous players such as Son Heung Min.

But why doesn’t Carlos Queiroz follow suit and resign? His record is by far worst than Bento’s.

Doesn’t he realize that after experiencing three World Cups with Team Melli, he has failed to reach the next round, and doesn’t he comprehend that he can no longer be productive for Iranian football?

Paulo Bento knows that if he was supposed to accomplish special goals, he must have achieved them in these few days in the World Cup.

Queiroz has worked hard for Team Melli and there should be no doubt about it. We must realize that his strict disciplinarian approach and no-nonsense manner of players were a breath of fresh air in Iranian football. It was needed to put many players in their place. After all, he was supposed to be a prodigy of that famous strict Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson. His disciplinary style is now synonymous with his name in Iran.  The bucks stop there. His achievements in major tournaments for Iran are a big fat zero. To maintain dignity and respect, he should have resigned after the loss against the USA, in addition, it would have been quite prudent of him to apologize to the Iranian people for the failure to achieve expectations, just like his fellow compatriot Bento. However, Queiroz is not the type, and this in particular summarizes his character. A person who does not realize his shortfalls, never admits that he has failed and hence will never work to rectify and change. In management, that is the biggest drawback.

Carlos Queiroz’s failure in his plans and strategies, selection of old players who mostly warm the benches in Europe, insistence on piling up the defenses that crashed in the first match against England, his focus on short-term objectives, deficiency in forward planning, dearth of opportunities for promising young players, preference on players’ loyalty rather than suitability and many more other factors, has deemed this Portugues man as nothing more than a financial burden off the field and a failure on it.

Of course, there are others who blame a few players in Team Melli and Mehdi Taj for the untimely appointment of Carlos Queiroz. That school of that has its merits too as failure is the culmination of many facts, not just one.  However, this subject needs its own discussion and analysis.