Fernando Santos to step down as Greece manager after WCup, Greek FA says

by  Associated Press Greece coach Santos to step down after WCup Associated Press - 27 February 2014 05:04-05:00

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece's Football Association says national coach Fernando Santos will step down following the World Cup in Brazil, after a successful four-year term on the job that saw the country rise to 12th place in the the FIFA world rankings.

Association director Giorgos Sarris said Thursday that he would "continue to offer (Santos) full support until his final day in his position."

The 59-year-old Santos, a Portuguese veteran coach in Greek leagues, took over the national team in 2010, after 2004 European Championship winner Otto Rehhagel retired.

Santos cautiously weaned Greece away from a heavily defensive game, maintaining an impressive 24-13-4 record to reach the 2012 European Championship and the summer World Cup finals in Brazil, where Greece faces Colombia, Japan and Ivory Coast.

News Topics: International soccer, Soccer, Sports, 2014 FIFA World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Men's soccer, Events, Men's sports

People, Places and Companies: Greece, Western Europe, Europe

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