Appointed last month to replace Carlos Queiroz, who was sacked for insulting anti-doping agents, Bento was under immediate pressure after Portugal had taken just one point from two Euro 2012 qualifiers having lost 1-0 in Norway and drawn 4-4 to Cyprus in Group H.
But despite having had just a few days with the players, Bento has lifted the dark clouds that had hung over the team during the Queiroz controversy.
"We've entered a new cycle, and he (Bento) given an us an injection of confidence and we want to repay everything he has brought us," goalkeeper Eduardo said.
The coach's knowledge of the players and recent experience as a Portugal international are likely to have helped him bond with the team so quickly.
"It has been good to work with him (Bento), the players are happy and you can see that on the pitch," Ronaldo said.
Winger Nani inspired the team against the Danes, scoring two and creating another for Ronaldo, but Bento noted that Portugal's attacking intent was such that they should have ended with a bigger margin of victory.
Bento's first team selection earned praise from commentators for allowing Portugal to play in a passing style that was often stifled under Queiroz.
It also allowed him to deploy Raul Meireles in front of central defence. The Liverpool player's precise passing gave Portugal the ability to break forward smoothly and he combined well with the impressive Moutinho to control the midfield.
"In theory, Iceland are the weaker opponent. They lost against Denmark and Norway but played good games. We have to be very careful," Moutinho said.
