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European Qualifiers: Fernando Santos appointed as Portugal boss

RECIFE, BRAZIL - JUNE 29:  Head coach Fernando Santos of Greece looks on prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Costa Rica and G
Image: Fernando Santos: Took Greece to last 16 at the 2014 World Cup

Former Greece coach Fernando Santos has been appointed as Portugal's new boss, replacing Paulo Bento.

The 59-year-old will start his new role with an eight-game ban still to serve after being sent off in the latter stages of his final game as Greece manager, the 5-3 loss to Costa Rica on penalties at the World Cup, following an altercation with the referee.

But the Lisbon-born Santos, who played for Portuguese sides Maritimo and Estoril, has lodged an appeal against the ban, with a ruling expected later this week.

Santos, who will be formally unveiled at a news conference on Wednesday, has coached Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, AEK Athens and Panathinaikos during his managerial career.

Bento stood down from the role by mutual consent following Portugal's surprise 1-0 defeat by Albania in the opening game of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

Portugal had a disappointing World Cup under Bento in Brazil, failing to make it out of their group after losing 4-0 to eventual winners Germany in their first game and drawing with the USA.

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