December 6 – Following the round of 16 exit at the hands of Brazil, Paulo Bento (pictured) has stepped down from his role as South Korea coach.
After his team’s 4-1 defeat, the Portuguese, 53, said: “I have just announced to the players and the president of the federation that this is a decision I took in September. It is set in stone and I have confirmed it. I have to thank everyone for everything they have done.”
“From now onwards we have to think about the future. I’m going to rest and we have to see what will happen after I rest.”
In 2018, Bento took charge of South Korea and while his team struggled in qualification they progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup after defeating Portugal 2-1.
Brazil, however, proved to be a different class and stormed past the Koreans. It was only the third time in history that the Asian country reached the knockout phase of the global finals, finishing third in 2002 on home soil and featuring in the second round in 2010.
“I believe that what we did in this World Cup leaves me happy,” said Bento. “The process that we had for four years. What we did during the group phase was very good.”
With South Korea’s exit, the Asian presence at the World Cup came to an end. Hours earlier, Japan, one of the standout teams of the group phase with victories against both Germany and Spain, were defeated by a Luka Modric-inspired Croatia who broke Japanese hearts from the penalty spot to advance to the last eight.
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