Tite steps down as Brazil head coach after heartbreaking 2022 FIFA World Cup exit against Croatia

Brazil manager Tite has left his post as the national team coach after the team's shock exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday. The Selecao were eliminated following a 4-2 shootout defeat to Croatia in the quarterfinals following a 1-1 draw in extra time.

Tite resigned from his role as Brazil's boss in the immediate aftermath of the loss as the pre-tournament favourites come to terms with their shock exit. The 61-year-old had taken over the five-time FIFA World Cup winners in June 2016. He has overseen 61 wins, 13 draws and seven defeats in 81 games. The Brazilian coach's contract was coming to an end following a four-year extension he signed in 2018.

Tite leaves Brazil. He’s no longer the head coach of the Seleçao after the game lost vs Croatia. It’s over. 🚨🇧🇷 #WorldCup2022 https://t.co/9UQW63Gfy6

Tite's side won the Copa America in 2019 but have failed to make it past the quarterfinals in two consecutive FIFA World Cups. Their exit to Croatia has many questioning the future of veteran players like Neymar, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva. However, one man who will no longer be part of the Selecao is Tite.

He joins a long list of managerial departures at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Luis Enrique resigned as Spain boss after their exit in the last 16 against Morocco on penalties. Belgium's Roberto Martinez, Mexico's Gerardo Martino, Ghana's Otto Addo and South Korea's Paulo Bento are the other managerial casualties.

Neymar's bitter-sweet night as Brazil crash out of 2022 FIFA World Cup

Neymar was heartbroken following the Selecao's exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker had opened the scoring in first half added time in extra time to give Selecao the lead. That was his 77th strike for the five-time FIFA World Cup champions, equalling legend Pele's official goal tally for the team.

FIFA recognises Pele's record as 77, but the Brazilian Football Confederation and the former striker claim that he has scored 95. FIFA only counts fixtures between nations, but Pele has also netted in hybrid friendlies against club sides.

NEYMAR JR 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/5YLbaOaJ9r

Meanwhile, Neymar's fabulouseffort was not enough to seal his side a passage to the semifinals. That's because the Vatreni hit back through Bruno Petkovic in the 117th minute to force penalties.

Neymar didn't take a penalty in the shootout, which ended following Marquinhos' miss from the spot off the fourth attempt, leaving the PSG man sobbing inconsolably.