Most Brazilians, though, seem to prefer Luiz Felipe Scolari for the job. It is not clear whether Scolari, who headed the Brazilian team in the 2002 Cup and is currently coaching Portugal, would accept a possible invitation to resume its work with the Brazilian team.

Besides the morale blow, Brazil's World Cup exit has also led to financial losses. Several companies had to cancel advertising campaigns in Brazilian TV networks, newspapers and magazines.

The commercial promotions had football as their themes with some players featured, frequently Ronaldinho who had a disappointing performance in the tournament. On-going promotions have been suspended, while new ones will simply never be aired.

Owners of shops that sell souvenirs with Brazilian team themes, such as T-shirts, shorts, flags and ribbons, do not know what to do with the stock.

Bars and restaurants in Rio, which had served as gathering points for football fans, will have a total loss of 2 million reais (US$910,000) in the wake of the team's elimination, estimates the sector association Abrasel-RJ.