Football | South Korea head coach Bento farewell

Paulo Bento said an emotional farewell to South Korea, calling his four years as national football coach " a beautiful experience I will never forget " .

The Portugal former international midfielder led South Korea to the last 16 of the World Cup in Qatar , where they beat Brazil 4-1 last week.

The 53 -year-old said immediately afterward that he would not be continuing as coach.

" I am especially grateful to all the players for their professionalism, work ethic and their behaviour, " Bento said in a statement late on Tuesday, ending his leadership.

" They gave me the opportunity to have one of the best experiences of my life that I will never forget. "

South Korea also drew 0-0 with Uruguay in Group H and lost 3-2 to Ghana, and their victory over Portugal was enough to see them progress on goals.

It was the first time since 2010 that an Asian national team had crossed the first hurdle, despite being unilaterally beaten by Brazil in the round of 16 .

The Tai Chi Warriors intend to name Bento's successor by February, ahead of the next international break next month .