According to Brazilian media, the experienced coach is set to be sacked after a humiliating defeat to their arch-rivals.
Despite having star players and no shortage of talented footballers lighting up club football, Brazil still can’t seem to come together as a cohesive team. The five-time World Cup champions seem like a shadow of their former selves. Coach Darival Junior is now facing the possibility of being dismissed for failing to get the team back on track.
After Brazil’s 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers, officials from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) held talks with the coach on Friday. Brazilian media reported that it’s almost certain the coach will be let go.
The sports newspaper UOL reports that there is little chance of a change in this decision. However, the CBF has not made any formal statements about the coach’s future yet.
Darival took over as Brazil’s coach at the start of last year. At 62, he initially enjoyed success, with the team playing fantastic football in friendlies against England and Spain. However, his form quickly faltered. After a disappointing Copa America, Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign has been plagued by struggles.
Under Darival’s coaching, Brazil has now lost their first-ever World Cup qualifier on home soil. For the first time in World Cup qualifying, they’ve suffered five losses, and with four matches still to go, the number of defeats could increase.
With 6 wins and 3 draws from 14 matches, Brazil is currently in 4th place with 21 points in the qualifiers. Argentina, with 31 points, has already secured their spot in the next World Cup, becoming the first Latin American team to do so.
After the crushing defeat to Argentina, the pressure to sack Darival intensified. Brazil was unable to put up any real fight in Argentina, with fans vocal about the team’s tactical deficiencies.
Darival started with just two midfielders, while Argentina fielded five. Argentina dominated the midfield and easily defeated the five-time World Cup champions.
Darival has also been inconsistent with his team selections, making frequent changes that have hindered Brazil’s ability to play as a cohesive unit. His coaching results have failed to meet the CBF’s expectations.
Brazil will be back in action in June, facing Ecuador and Paraguay in World Cup qualifying matches.
