Bento named Portugal boss

Paulo Bento has been appointed as Portugal's national coach to replace Carlos Queiroz, who was sacked earlier this month, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said today.

"Paulo Bento and the rest of the technical staff have signed a contract valid until July 2012," the FPF said in a statement.

The FPF will hold a news conference on Wednesday to officially unveil the new team.

Former Portugal international Bento, 41, coached Sporting for four seasons before resigning last year. His first game in charge will be a Euro 2012 qualifier on October 8 against Denmark, with the side needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive after a dismal start.

Queiroz was sacked in the wake of his six-month suspension for insulting Portuguese anti-doping agents before the World Cup.