Menezes, who took over from Dunga following the 2010 World Cup, has faced immense pressure in recent months following failure at the 2011 Copa America and at the Olympic Games earlier this summer – with fans turning against the team in some recent Brazil-based internationals.
Although Brazil clinched the Superclassico das Americas title on Wednesday night with a penalty shoot-out victory over Argentina over two legs, the result was seen as disappointing for a Brazil side featuring many more renowned players than their Argentine rivals.
Despite the sacking coming as somewhat of a surprise, favourites for the position are already emerging with Luis Felipe Scolari, recently of Palmeiras, and Corinthians manager Tite the leading candidates.
Menezes leaves the post with a record of 20 wins, 6 draws and 5 defeats from his spell in charge, as well as an Olympic silver medal, but with the failure to beat a top-ten ranked country in his 30 month tenure hanging over his head.
Brazil must now act quickly to bring in a replacement with the Confederations Cup they will host just six months away, with the World Cup a year later.
