Portugal’s Quick Exit Will Cost Coach His Job

Antonio Oliveira will be replaced as Portugal coach because of the country’s dismal performance in the World Cup, the head of the Portuguese Soccer Federation announced Tuesday.

“The federation’s decision is that he cannot continue” in the job, federation chief Gilberto Madail said.

Oliveira was out of the country, but Madail said the federation sent him a fax proposing an amicable agreement to end his contract, which expires in 2004.

“If he doesn’t accept, we will have to look at our legal and soccer options,” Madail said.

Portugal exited the World Cup in the first round after stunning losses against underdog South Korea, the co-host, and the United States.

Oliveira, 50, took over two years ago and guided Portugal through its undefeated World Cup qualifying campaign.

He has recorded the most wins for a Portuguese national coach (26) and has the most games in charge (43).

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Gerhard Aigner, chief executive of European soccer’s ruling body UEFA, said the sport’s authorities should consider using two referees in major matches. His comments followed a string of disputed decisions at the World Cup.

Aigner told UEFA’s Web site that experimentation with two referees, to go along with the two linesmen, should be undertaken in matches outside the top echelon of pro soccer.

“Before we start to talk about cameras, slow-motion replays or stopping the game, we should exploit human resources,” he said. “We never had a serious test with two referees.”

Aigner added that more than one referee from the same country should be used for tournaments such as the World Cup.

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England goalkeeper David Seaman said he will take the rest of the summer before deciding whether to quit international soccer.

The Arsenal goalkeeper admitted he was considering retiring after being left devastated by England’s 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Brazil.

The 38-year-old let in Brazilian striker Ronaldinho’s long-range free kick in the match when he was caught off his line.

Seaman stumbled backward to try to reach the ball, but it dropped over his head and under the crossbar.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson says if Seaman is still the best goalkeeper at his disposal, he will continue to pick him for the European Championship campaign.

“For me that’s great,” Seaman said. “But I’ve had discussions with people that are close to me regarding my future with England and I’ve just got to sit down in the summer, have a nice holiday and think what I want.

“Whether that includes retirement I don’t know, but it’s something that I haven’t ruled out.

“But you are always remembered for your last game and it’s not exactly something I want to finish on, but who knows?”

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British bookmakers have made Germany the second favorite at odds of 13-8 to win the World Cup following Tuesday’s semifinal victory over South Korea.

Three-time champion Germany was listed at 16-1 to win the trophy before the tournament began.

Four-time champion Brazil is the favorite at 8-13.

Making its first semifinal appearance, Turkey is 9-1.