Scolari steps aside after Brazil humiliation

Photo: Luiz Felipe Scolari (Getty Images)

After being the last man to carry Brazil to triumph in the FIFA World Cup in 2002, Luiz Felipe Scolari will probably be remembered as the man who failed miserably in the quest to lift the Cup on home soil.

Following the 7-1 thrashing to eventual winners German in the semi-final, Scolari resigned on Monday giving his country a chance to begin the rebuilding process immediately.

“Luiz Felipe Scolari and his fellow coaching staff surrendered their positions to the board,” the CBF announced in a statement.

“Scolari and his entire coaching staff deserve our respect and gratitude.

“They were responsible for returning to the Brazilian people your love for the national team, despite not having achieved our greatest goal.”

Scolari’s contract was set to expire after the tournament, but the CBF vice president Marco Polo del Nero last week offered the manager his full backing following the humiliating last-four defeat by Germany.

It was clear however that his position was untenable after another abject display in the 3rd place play-off against the Netherlands where they were beaten 3-0, conceding 10 goals while scoring 1 in their final two games in the competition.

Scolari said after the loss to Germany that it was the worst day of his life and accepted full responsibility for the team’s performance.

Brazil Under-23 coach Alexandre Gallo has been suggested as an interim coach until the CBF finds a permanent replacement.