Confederations Cup
Dunga pays homage to Bafana
2009-06-25 12:37
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Johannesburg - Brazil have a golden opportunity to advance to the final of the Confederations Cup but Dunga believes their opponents South Africa warrant "respect".
The Selecao are widely tipped to dispatch of Joel Santana's men and book their place in the showpiece's decider against the USA who shocked Spain in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night.
Dunga has warned his charges to expect a tough examination against the host nation and the former Brazil skipper also believes Bafana Bafana will be lifted by the support from the Ellis Park faithful.
"We want to improve in every game from day to day," Dunga told the media.
"But South Africa is to be respected. It will not be easy. There are no easy games. Everything is difficult because you have to overcome the host team and the host nation.
"They are motivated as they are playing at home. The fans also give great emotional support to the team and we have to be prepared for this," he added.
Dunga is also looking at the bigger picture and wants to instill confidence in the Samba Boys ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
He said: "We are all trying to do our best. The World Cup is only a year away so the motivation of the players to play is very good and hope to get the best result possible."
Santana coached Dunga at Vasco Da Gama around two decades ago and the retired midfielder revealed a degree of respect for his old boss.
"He [Santana] is a very calm person," said Dunga. "He knows what he is doing, he works in a very special way with his players."
Dunga also explained that he had a plan to nullify Bafana's strengths.
"[South Africa] is a competitive team with African characteristics.
"They are very quick and very strong. But will play our football and block their positive aspects and exploit any points that we can."