Brazil’s women’s national team coach, Pia Sundhage, has been relieved of her duties by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) a month after the team’s exit from the 2023 Women’s World Cup held in Australia.
Pia Sundhage, the Swedish coach, was initially contracted until August 2024 and was anticipated to lead the team into the Paris Olympics. However, her contract termination has extended to her entire coaching staff as well. Ednaldo Rodrigues, at the helm of the organization, aims to initiate a comprehensive overhaul of women’s football in Brazil.
Pia Sundhage’s Tenure with Brazil Sundhage’s tenure began in August 2019, during which she managed the team for a total of 57 matches. Her record includes 34 victories, 10 defeats, and 13 draws.
Her final match as the coach of Brazil took place in Melbourne against Jamaica, culminating in a goalless draw. This result marked the downfall of one of the teams presumed to be among the strongest due to individual talent. The team managed to secure only four points in the tournament, resulting in a third-place finish in Group F behind underdog Jamaica and France.
This recent setback adds to the disappointment from the 2021 Olympic Games, where Brazil was eliminated during the quarter-finals. Pia Sundhage had previously achieved two Olympic titles with the United States in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). She also secured a silver medal with Sweden in Rio (2016).
Throughout her four-year tenure as the Brazil coach, Sundhage’s sole accomplishment was clinching victory in the Copa America, which granted the team qualification for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. The Brazilian Football Confederation’s decision to replace Sundhage reflects the drive to revamp and rejuvenate women’s football in the country.
