Paulo Bento focused on World Cup, not own future, after UAE's Asian Cup exit

29.01.2024 - 09:31 thenationalnews.com

UAE manager Paulo Bento would not be drawn on his future with the national team following Sunday’s Asian Cup exit to Tajikistan, saying the next focus is the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.

The UAE, semi-finalists in the past two editions of the continental competition, were beaten by the tournament debutants on penalties in the last 16, after the match at Khalifa International Stadium finished 1-1.

A goal down from 31 minutes, Khalifa Al Hammadi equalised for Bento’s side in the fifth minute of injury time. However, Caio Canedo’s spot-kick in the shootout was saved by Tajikistan goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov, and the Central Asians went on to prevail 5-3 to go through to Friday’s quarter-final.

Asked afterward if he was confident he would remain as UAE manager, Bento said: “When you lose usually comes that question – it is normal.

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