Once the gold standard of world football, Brazil are now a team in crisis -- rudderless, rattled, and searching for direction. 

The five-time world champions hit a new low this week, sacking head coach Dorival Junior just three days after a crushing 4-1 defeat to eternal rivals Argentina. It was not just a loss -- it was a humiliation that symbolised the Selecao's ongoing decline, exposing tactical confusion, a lack of identity, and a widening gap between past glory and present reality.

Dorival's brief stint, which began in January 2024, was meant to steady a ship already shaken by post-World Cup uncertainty. Instead, it added to Brazil's spiraling woes. 

Since crashing out of the 2022 World Cup to Croatia on penalties, Brazil have looked increasingly ordinary. Negative records piled up: their first-ever home qualifying loss, first defeats to Colombia and an African nation, and a Copa America exit to Uruguay on penalties -- all under a rotating cast of interim and permanent coaches.

With Brazil currently clinging to fourth in South America's qualifying table -- just a point above the final automatic slot -- panic has replaced pride.

**Brazil are enduring their worst-ever World Cup qualifying campaign, sitting fourth in South America with 21 points -- just one above sixth-placed Colombia. **They've suffered a record five losses in 14 games, conceding 16 goals -- both all-time qualifying lows. **Their 1-0 loss to Argentina in 2023 marked Brazil's first-ever home defeat in World Cup qualifying. **Brazil lost to Colombia for the first time, ended a 20-year unbeaten run against Uruguay, and suffered historic defeats to Morocco and Senegal -- never before losing to African nations. **Under Dorival, Brazil managed only six wins in 14 matches and exited the Copa America in the quarterfinals to Uruguay. **Despite holding a record five World Cup titles, Brazil have not won since 2002 and have exited at the quarterfinal stage in four of the last five tournaments.

Carlo Ancelotti had long been seen as the ideal candidate, but the Italian legend reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid until 2026. That opens the door to a new round of speculation. Al Hilal's Jorge Jesus leads the shortlist, while Palmeiras' Abel Ferreira, another Portuguese tactician with Brazilian experience, is also in contention.

But Brazil's crisis is not just about the coach but an identity struggle. Despite a roster filled with stars like Vinícius Junior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha, the team lacks the flair and cohesion that once defined them. Injuries to key figures like Neymar, now struggling with age and fitness, have further highlighted the generational transition underway.

Dorival's lone bright moment -- a debut win over England at Wembley -- feels like a distant memory. His Copa America campaign flattered to deceive, and ultimately, his inability to reignite Brazil's attacking soul sealed his fate.

Whoever takes over next faces more than just qualifying pressure -- they must restore belief. Brazil have not lifted a major trophy since the 2019 Copa America and have not tasted World Cup glory since 2002. For a nation obsessed with beautiful football, pragmatic results alone will not suffice.