Brazil and Scolari part company after World Cup rout

A week after Brazil’s humiliating demolition by Germany in the World Cup comes confirmation that coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is leaving. The country’s football federation announced the resignation of the 65-year-old, who won the tournament in 2002 during a previous spell in charge of the national team. Scolari also led Brazil to victory in last year’s Confederations Cup, but his side only managed fourth place in the competition that mattered. The manner of their exit is what many will remember, after the 7-1 capitulation to Germany in the semi-final, followed by a 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands in the play-off match for third place. Scolari’s squad selection for the World Cup attracted some criticism. Despite successful seasons in Europe, the likes of Kaka and Lucas Moura were left out, as were old hands such as Ronaldinho and Robinho.