- Dorival Junior has been sacked as Brazil boss after an underwhelming tenure
- Brazil have only once been past the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 2002
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Brazil have sacked head coach Dorival Junior after the five-time world champions’ embarrassing 4-1 defeat by Argentina, according to reports from South America.
Wednesday’s defeat in Buenos Aires left Brazil fourth in South America’s World Cup qualification table, a huge 10 points behind Argentina, and as reports predicted, he has paid the price.
There is little chance of Brazil not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. There will be 48 teams at the Finals, meaning six South American countries will qualify automatically. Brazil are six points clear of Venezuela in seventh, with four rounds remaining.
But results had been poor throughout Dorival’s reign. The 62-year-old won just five of his 15 games in charge since taking over in January 2024 including elimination by Uruguay from the quarter-finals of last summer’s Copa America.
That tournament was won by Argentina and it is the gulf between Brazil and their biggest rivals — and the ensuing mockery — that is arguably putting Dorival under most pressure.
On Wednesday, with Argentina 4-1 ahead and little time left in the game, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez decided to juggle the ball inside his own box.
Dorival Junior won just five of his 15 games since taking over as Brazil coach in January 2024
Brazil suffered the shame of losing 4-1 to their most bitter rivals, world champions Argentina
It is the latest blow to the credibility of Brazil’s claim to be one of world’s football powerhouses
When Brazil star Raphinha made the mistake of talking big before the game, Argentina did not let him forget it with players chanting mockingly about the ‘death’ of Brazil.
Brazil’s problems predate Dorival, however, Apart from the ‘Mineirazo’ — the 7-1 thrashing by Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup on home soil — Brazil have not even been beyond the quarter-finals since they last lifted the trophy.
This may help explain why the Brazilian FA (CBF) have been keen to hire Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti — even though the Italian, who has never worked in international football, would be their first non-Brazilian coach.
The CBF most recently pursued the 65-year-old in 2023 as his second spell at the Bernabeu looked to be drawing to a close.
According to The Athletic, the federation has again been in touch with the Italian to replace Dorival. The report also says Madrid claimed to be unaware of contact between their manager and the CBF. Ancelotti’s deal with Real Madrid, runs until 2026.
Reports have also claimed that Pep Guardiola was added to a three-man shortlist to become the new Selecao boss.
