South Korea has appointed ex-Portugal manager Paulo Bento as head coach of the national team.
The 49-year-old Bento is charged with leading the national team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and replaces Shin Tae-yong, who was not offered a new contract in July after South Korea's group-stage exit at the World Cup in Russia.
Bento, who started out in coaching with Sporting Lisbon, led Portugal to the semifinals of Euro 2012 but was fired after a disappointing 2014 World Cup and a poor start to qualification for Euro 2016.
FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2016 file photo, then Olympiakos' coach Paulo Bento holds the ball during the Europa League Group B soccer match between Olympiakos and APOEL at Georgios Karaiskakis stadium in Piraeus port, near Athens. South Korea has appointed ex-Portugal manager Paulo Bento as head coach of the national team. The 49 year-old Bento is charged with leading the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and replaces Shin Tae-yong, who was not offered a new contract in July after South Korea's group-stage exit at the World Cup in Russia. (AP PhotoPetros Giannakouris, File)
He became available in July when he was fired by Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan.
Bento was formally appointed Friday. His first game in charge will be a home exhibition against Costa Rica on Sept. 7.