Brazil’s football confederation has dismissed coach Dorival Jr. after a 4-1 defeat to Argentina, marking a low point in World Cup qualifying. The confederation confirmed the decision following a series of lackluster performances and records. The search for a new coach has commenced, with Jorge Jesus emerging as a potential candidate.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the dismissal of head coach Dorival Jr. following a disheartening 4-1 loss to Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match. Dorival, 62 years old, had been appointed in January 2024 after the team underwent a year of caretakers, during which they could not secure the services of Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid.
In their statement, the CBF expressed gratitude toward Dorival and extended wishes for his future success while committing to find a replacement. Despite previous successes with Flamengo and Sao Paulo, Dorival’s tenure with the national team resulted in only seven victories in 16 matches, failing to meet the expectations of the supporters.
The CBF had harbored doubts about Dorival’s leadership, particularly after a disappointing Copa America performance where Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals. Although they considered allowing him more time until the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, recent events prompted a swift decision from CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues following Brazil’s worst-ever qualifying defeat.
Reports indicate that while Carlo Ancelotti remains the CBF’s preferred candidate, his ongoing contract with Real Madrid until 2026 complicates the situation. As a result, Jorge Jesus, currently coaching Al Hilal, is perceived as the leading contender for the job.
Brazil’s national team has encountered challenges since their heartbreak at the 2022 World Cup, where they lost to Croatia on penalties. The loss to Argentina marks a troubling trend, as Brazil has set several negative records in World Cup qualification. They currently sit fourth in the South American standings with only 21 points, facing unprecedented losses and goals conceded during this campaign. The defeat in Buenos Aires further exemplified their struggles, as they had never conceded four goals in a World Cup qualifier prior to this match, marking another low point in their recent history.
In conclusion, Brazil’s decision to part ways with coach Dorival Jr. highlights the urgency to rectify their dismal performance in World Cup qualifiers. With historic losses and negative records characterizing their campaign, the CBF seeks a suitable replacement to restore the pride of Brazilian football. Whether they can attract a top-tier coach like Ancelotti remains to be seen, but the urgency for change is palpable amid the team’s current struggles.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
