LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI has been confirmed as the new coach of Brazil.
Former boss Mano Menezes was sacked last week after failing to meet expectations, having been knocked out of the 2011 Copa America by Paraguay on penalties, before losing to Mexico in the 2012 Olympics final.
During his first reign in charge of his country, Scolari led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title, beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
And he is targeting another triumph when Brazil host the World Cup in 2014.
“We have an obligation to win the World Cup,” Scolari said. ”We are not the favourites to win it now, but we aim to become favourites as we are starting to see the results of our hard work.
“If a national team that have won five World Cups is organising the World Cup, you cannot think about just making it to the final or semi-finals.”
After leaving Brazil, he took over Portugal’s national side and led the Iberians to the final of Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup semi-finals and the quarter-finals of the 2008 European Championship. Less successful spells in charge of Chelsea and Uzbek outfit Bunyodkor followed, but the 64-year-old returned to his homeland last year, winning the Copa do Brasil with Palmeiras.
Meanwhile, another former coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, is returning to the fold as team director, and is proud to have been selected for the role.
“It’s an honour to take part in my fifth World Cup – that’s not something everyone can achieve,” he said. ”I feel as happy as a little boy right now. We are not thinking that we are going to win (the World Cup). We are not the favourites right now, but I’m sure that within one year, we will be a winning team.”
