Menezes takes over as Brazil coach

Corinthians boss Mano Menezes is to become Brazil's new national team coach after accepting an offer from the the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF).

The CBF turned to 48-year-old Menezes after Fluminense refused to release their coach Muricy Ramalho, who was their first choice.

Fluminense had wanted Ramalho to honour his contract, which runs until 2012.

In recent years Menezes led Corinthians - and before them Gremio - out of Brazil's Second Division.

Brazil, who host the 2014 World Cup, have been searching for a new coach following Dunga's sacking after their quarter-final exit at the World Cup in South Africa earlier this month.

"I have agreed with satisfaction and pride to coach the national team," said Menezes.

A statement on the Brazilian Football Confederation's (CBF) website said: "Mano Menezes was one of a shortlist of three coaches and had his name ratified after a conversation with (CBF president) Ricardo Teixeira, when he showed himself to be in tune with the rebuilding project drawn up by the CBF for the 2014 World Cup."

The other man on the shortlist was believed to be former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari while another former Brazil coach Wanderley Luxemburgo and ex-AC Milan coach Leonardo had also been linked with the job.

Dunga and his staff were axed after Brazil lost 2-1 to the Netherlands.

Brazil last hosted the World Cup in 1950.