Menezes appointed Brazil coach

MANO Menezes, a specialist in leading big clubs out of the doldrums but little-known outside his own country, became the coach of Brazil yesterday when he accepted an offer from the five-times world champions.

The 48-year-old, currently coach of Corinthians, confirmed he had said yes to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), which had been turned down by Muricy Ramalho on Friday when his club Fluminense refused to release him.

"For the whole of Brazil, I say that I officially accept the invitation," Menezes said. "I'm very proud and happy. We must have 30, 40 or 50 excellent professionals in Brazil, so if I'm second on the list, that's fine by me." Menezes replaces Dunga, who quit after Brazil's quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands at the World Cup. Both men hail from the south of Brazil.

Menezes, who did not play professionally, must rebuild Brazil's team, discredited after a lacklustre display in South Africa, and win a sixth world title when they stage the 2014 World Cup. Brazil qualify automatically as the host nation.