Scolari tasked with reprising his World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014

The 64-year-old will take charge of the five-times World Cup winners at the tournament in 2014 after the Brazilian Football Confederation announced him as the replacement for the sacked Mano Menezes.

Scolari’s first match in charge will be a friendly against England at Wembley on February 6.

Brazil have failed to make it past the quarter-finals at two World Cups since winning the competition under Scolari in 2002 and nothing less than another title will be accepted in front of their home fans.

Guardiola was also under consideration for the role, Brazilian Football Confederation president Jose Maria Marin revealed, but Scolari’s past international achievements proved a deciding factor.

He will be assisted by another World Cup winner with Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led the team to glory in 1994 in the United States, coming in as general manager.

Marin said: “After a lot of analysis, thinking about what would be the best for Brazilian football, for the Brazilian fans, we decided to give the responsibility of the national team for the Confederations Cup (next summer) and the World Cup to two great champions, respected throughout the world, Felipe and Parreira.”

Guardiola is currently having time out of the game and there is no guarantee he would have accepted the role had it been offered.

The unpopular Menezes was dismissed because Marin wanted a new approach ahead of the World Cup, and after initially saying the new man would be appointed in January, the decision was brought forward.

Scolari had been the overwhelming favourite to take over given the esteem in which he is held by the public.

The former Chelsea boss parted company with Palmeiras in September.