Brazil National Team Fires Manager Mano Menezes

Brazil has decided to fire national team manager Mano Menezes two days after winning the Superclasico de las Americas over Argentina, according to Jon Cotterill of TV Globo in Brazil.

"

Now confirmed - Brazil coach Mano Menezes has been fired

— jon cotterill (@Pitacodogringo) November 23, 2012"

Tensions are running high in Brazil as the country prepares for the 2014 World Cup. Anything less than winning the coveted international trophy on home soil would be a disappointment.

Apparently Menezes didn't make enough progress in his just over two years at the helm to satisfy the Brazilian Football Confederation, which will now search for the team's next manager. The Canarinho next play in early February against England.

It's an intriguing decision given the recent winning form of Brazil. The loss to Argentina in the second leg of the Superclasico de las Americas, which features only domestic players, was the first for Menezes' squad since early June.

Usually a national confederation would wait for a run of bad form before deciding to change coaches. But Brazil isn't going to leave any stone unturned when it comes to getting the team prepared for the World Cup.

Add in the fact there's an extended lull in between matches and Brazil decided to make the move now. Finding a coach capable of getting Brazil back atop the football world won't be easy, so the extra time should help.

Menezes' run as manager would best be characterized as solid, yet unimpressive. Brazil was able to control and defeat lesser opponents, but struggled to get positive results in high-profile friendlies. Losses to Mexico, Germany and France over the past few years highlight that.

Knowing those are the countries they will have to beat to win the World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation wasn't going to look the other way.

The next coach figures to be one who's willing to embrace the free-flowing style that Brazil has become known for over the years. He will inherit a roster featuring a strong foundation of players led by rising star Neymar.

Whoever takes over, he better come prepared. Brazil isn't willing to wait around for results. Menezes certainly found that out the hard way.