Brazil Cans Soccer Coach, Staff

Mere days after Brazil was beaten by the Netherlands in the World Cup quarterfinals, the Brazilian Football Federation fired coach Carlos Dunga and his staff today. The decision was widely expected after Friday's 2-1 loss to the Dutch. Brazil led 1-0 on Robinho's first-half goal, but allowed two goals and had a player sent off in a dismal second-half performance.

A new coach will be appointed before the end of the month, the federation said. Former Brazil player Mano Menezes, AC Milan coach Leonardo and Wanderley Luxemburgo are being mentioned as potential successors. The new coach and his staff are likely to face several exhibition matches in the next few months and then the South American championship—the Copa America—in 2011 in Argentina. (More Brazil stories.)