The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) sacked Fernando Diniz as coach of the men’s national team Friday, a source there said, after a string of lackluster results for the “Selecao” in World Cup qualifying.

Fans had hoped Diniz, 49, who also coaches Rio de Janeiro club Fluminense, would restore the thrilling “samba football” that made the five-time world champions famous. But since taking the job in July, he had struggled to deliver.