Brazil sack Mano Menezes to boost 2014 World Cup hopes

Brazil have sacked head coach Mano Menezes as they seek to implement "new methods" ahead of the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

Menezes, 50, guiding Brazil to the last eight of the Copa America in 2011.

That defeat against Paraguay, plus Brazil's failure to win gold at London 2012, put the coach under pressure.

The decision comes two days after Brazil won the Superclasico de las Americas against Argentina.

Brazil lost the second leg 2-1 in Buenos Aires, but triumphed on spot-kicks in the tie which featured only players who play in the domestic leagues of the two countries.

Brazil Football Federation director Andres Sanchez said president Jose Maria Marin made the change because he "wants new methods and new planning" ahead of the World Cup.