Brazil sack coach Dunga

| Friday July 2, 2010 00:00

 

Dunga, 46, who returned with his squad to Brazil on Sunday, had already said he was likely to go after their 2-1 defeat by the Netherlands on Friday. The CBF revealed that a new coach would be installed by the end of the month. Corinthians manager Mano Menezes and former AC Milan coach Leonardo have already been tipped as possible successors, as well as former Brazil coach Wanderley Luxemburgo. Luiz Felipe Scolari, who coached Brazil to a fifth World Cup title in 2002, has ruled himself out due to his commitments with club side Palmeiras.

Dunga, whose full name is Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri, is a legend in his homeland after captaining his side to World Cup victory at USA 1994.He took over as coach of the national side in 2006, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreira despite having no prior professional coaching experience. His more pragmatic style of play split opinions in Brazil, with some supporters believing it stifled the natural attacking flair of the five-time world champions.

As far back as December 2009, Dunga revealed he would step down after this year's finals, even if his side managed to lift the trophy in South Africa. However, defeat to the Dutch put an end to their dreams of a sixth world title. 'With the closing of the work cycle that started in August 2006 and ended with the elimination of Brazil from the World Cup in South Africa, the CBF announces the dismissal of the Technical Commission of the Brazilian team,' the federation said in its statement.

The first big challenge for the new coach will be the 2011 South American championship - the Copa America - due to be held in Argentina. However, the 2014 World Cup will dominate the agenda, particularly as the tournament will be held in Brazil for the first time since 1950. (BBC)