Also Fails to Advance to the Semifinals... Chichi Brazil Coach Resigns

"Painful Defeat but Peaceful"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Brazil's coach Tite stepped down after the team's failure to advance to the semifinals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

On the 10th (Korean time), Brazil lost 2-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw through extra time against Croatia in the quarterfinal match held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Although considered a strong favorite to win, Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup following the 2018 Russia tournament. Four years ago, Brazil lost 1-2 to Belgium in the quarterfinals.

Coach Tite accepted the result calmly. At the post-match press conference, he said, "It is a painful defeat, but I am at peace. One cycle has ended." He added, "I already said about a year and a half ago that I would step down after the Qatar World Cup. I will not reverse my decision and will not remain as coach."

Tite led Corinthians, Brazil's most popular club, before taking charge of the national team in 2016. After the team was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America that year, he comforted the players and began the rebuilding process. With the team reorganized, Brazil lifted the Copa America trophy in 2019. However, they suffered the pain of being eliminated in the quarterfinals in two consecutive World Cups. When asked to reflect on his tenure, Tite was reserved. "I am not in a position to evaluate everything we have done, nor do I have the ability to do so," he said. "Over time, you will be able to make that assessment."