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Dunga fired

Published:Monday | July 5, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Brazil head coach Dunga reacts during the World Cup quarter-final soccer match against the Netherlands at Nelson Mandela Bay Sta-dium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, last Friday. - AP

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP):

Brazil coach Dunga and all of his technical staff have been dismissed after the side's quarter-final exit from the World Cup, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) announced yesterday.


The decision was widely expected after Brazil were beaten 2-1 by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday.


The team took a 1-0 lead through Robinho in the first half, but went on to concede two goals and had a man sent off in a dismal second-half performance in Port Elizabeth.


"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 a statement.


It added that a new coach will be appointed before the end of the month.


Local media tipped Mano Menezes, former Brazil player and AC Milan coach Leonardo, and Wanderley Luxemburgo as potential successors to Dunga.


Luiz Felipe Scolari, who coached Brazil to their fifth World Cup title in 2002, had previously been tipped for a return but has since said he is not available due to his commitments with Brazilian club Palmeiras.


FRIENDLY WELCOME


Brazil's national squad returned home yesterday to a friendly welcome, despite its surprise elimination from the World Cup quarter-finals, although Felipe Melo was insulted by a few fans after being sent off in that match.


The team's chartered plane landed first in Rio de Janeiro, where players including goalkeeper Julio Cesar and defender Juan were warmly applauded. Julio Cesar was seen crying as he embraced his mother.


Felipe Melo appeared nervous as some fans shouted insults at him and told him "go home". He walked quickly to his father's vehicle and left the airport. The midfielder was partially at fault for one goal and was later sent off in the 2-1 loss to the Netherlands.


The plane then flew to Sao Paulo for other players to stay there or take connections elsewhere. Dunga flew south to Porto Alegre.


Brazil will host the World Cup in 2014 for the first time since 1950.