SAO PAULO: Brazil coach Dorival Júnior was fired on Friday after 14 months amid poor results and disappointing performances from the national team.
Júnior’s sacking by Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues came three days after a 4-1 defeat to bitter rival Argentina in Buenos Aires, Brazil’s heaviest defeat in a World Cup qualifier.
Júnior’s replacement has yet to be picked.
Brazil are fifth in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The top six qualify automatically.
Under the 62-year-old Júnior, Brazil won seven matches, drew another seven, and lost two. The team scored 25 goals and conceded 17.
In the Copa America last year, Brazil were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uruguay on penalties.
Rodrigues was just re-elected on Monday to head the confederation to 2030. In 2023, he bet on Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to take over one year later. While waiting for Ancelotti, Brazil retained Fernando Diniz as their coach.
Diniz was fired in January 2024 after six matches on the job after Ancelotti extended his contract in Spain.
Brazil fires coach Dorival Júnior after worst defeat in World Cup qualifying
https://arab.news/9ekxa
Brazil fires coach Dorival Júnior after worst defeat in World Cup qualifying
- Júnior’s replacement has yet to be picked
- Brazil are fifth in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup
Dubai Basketball complete perfect weekend with 2 away wins
- Victories in the EuroLeague (Anadolu Efes Istanbul) and ABA League (SC Derby) respectively
- Team will host Armani Milan for round 18 of the EuroLeague at Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball capped off an outstanding week on the road in Europe with two statement victories, ahead of their return home to Coca-Cola Arena on Dec. 23 for round 18 of the EuroLeague.
The team opened the weekend in Istanbul with a dramatic 76-80 EuroLeague win over Anadolu Efes on Friday night, before travelling to Podgorica to extend their unbeaten run in the ABA League with a composed 67-80 victory against SC Derby on Sunday.
The wins mark a defining moment in Dubai Basketball’s season, following their first home defeat against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv.
Friday’s EuroLeague clash in Istanbul tested Dubai Basketball’s composure. After trailing by double digits in the third quarter, the team mounted a comeback, staying disciplined in a tense fourth quarter.
McKinley Wright delivered a standout performance, proving to be one of the team’s most pivotal players in just his first season. The victory marked Dubai’s second EuroLeague road win of the season, both achieved in Istanbul.
Just two days later, Dubai Basketball continued their perfect start to Group A with a ninth consecutive win. Against SC Derby, the visitors absorbed early pressure before gradually asserting control.
A decisive stretch after halftime created separation, allowing Dubai to manage the closing stages comfortably and preserve their record as the league’s only unbeaten team.
The successful road trip now sets the stage for a EuroLeague showdown on Tuesday against Italian giants EA7 Emporio Armani Milan at Coca-Cola Arena.
