Santana coached Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cup finals and also led Sao Paulo to the Copa Libertadores in 1992 and 1993.

He had spent 28 days in hospital in Belo Horizonte, in the south-east of the country, after being admitted complaining of an intestinal infection.

Santana's Brazilian teams at the 1982 World Cup in Spain and at the 1986 edition in Mexico were regarded as favourites for the title boasting the mercurial talents of Zico and Socrates.

In particular, the 1982 side, which also included Junior, Cerezo and Falcao, was considered one of the finest Brazilian teams ever to take part in a World Cup.

But they were beaten 3-2 by eventual champions Italy in their final pool game which denied them a place in the semifinals with Paolo Rossi grabbing all three goals.

As a player, Tele Santana spent most of his career at Fluminense.

He had been in precarious health since 1996 when he suffered a stroke and in 2003, he had part of his left leg amputated.

Santana, born on June 26, 1931 in Itabirito, began his career as a goalkeeper before becoming a left-winger.

His career as a club manager started in 1967, coaching Fluminense before progressing to Atletico Mineiro, Gremio, Palmeiras, Al Ahly in Saudi Arabia, Flamengo and Sao Paulo. In 1992 and 1993, he also led Sao Paulo to the Intercontinental Cup.