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Brazil Football Federation Fires Head Coach Dorival Júnior
In a significant move, Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) has dismissed head coach Dorival Júnior following an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Argentina during World Cup qualifying matches in Buenos Aires. This decision was announced on Friday, marking a critical juncture for Brazil as they attempt to refocus their efforts in international football.
Dorival Júnior, aged 62, took over as head coach in January 2024 after the Brazilian FA struggled to secure the services of renowned coach Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid. Under Júnior’s leadership, Brazil’s national team faced inconsistent performances, culminating in only seven wins from 16 matches.
In an official statement, the CBF expressed gratitude towards Júnior, wishing him success in his future endeavors, and stated that they would begin the search for his successor. Júnior had previously found success with club teams, notably winning the prestigious Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Cup with Flamengo in 2022, before replicating that success with São Paulo the following year.
Despite his club achievements, the transition to the national team proved challenging. Brazil’s lackluster performance in the Copa América last year, where they were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals, led the CBF to consider delaying a decision until the crucial qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Ecuador and Paraguay.
However, the severity of Brazil’s recent defeat to Argentina, which marked their heaviest loss in World Cup qualifying history, prompted CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues to take immediate action. The national team has been navigating turbulent waters since their quarter-final exit in the 2022 World Cup against Croatia, which resulted in the departure of longtime coach Tite.
Currently, Brazil is experiencing one of their most challenging qualifying campaigns, sitting fourth in the South American standings with 21 points. They are just one point ahead of Colombia, who occupy the critical sixth position necessary for direct qualification. Brazil’s record includes five losses out of 14 matches and 16 goals conceded, illustrating a stark decline in performance.
Notably, Brazil experienced their first-ever qualifying loss at home during a match against Argentina at Maracanã Stadium in late 2023. They also faced defeats by Colombia, marking an end to their unbeaten streak against Uruguay that lasted over two decades, as well as losses to Morocco and Senegal, both of whom are African countries Brazil had never previously lost to.
Looking Ahead
With the CBF now on the lookout for a new coach, the organization faces the critical task of restoring the national team’s former glory. The search for a suitable replacement, capable of navigating the complexities of international football and meeting the expectations of passionate fans, will be crucial as Brazil prepares for the upcoming qualifiers and aims to rebound from this difficult period.
Source
www.theguardian.com