Share

Brazil pleased with Dunga

Rio de Janeiro - Brazil coach Dunga can be satisfied with his first few weeks back in charge of the national side emerging from the ashes of the World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation said Wednesday after an overnight friendly win over Ecuador.

However, the media were somewhat underwhelmed with a 1-0 win over Ecuador in New Jersey which saw Neymar miss a sitter but set up Chelsea midfielder Willian for the solitary goal.

The newspapers mused that without him the team are ordinary.

The Barcelona star had scored the goal which beat Colombia a week earlier in Miami as Dunga began his second spell in charge with a win. His first term ended after a 2010 World Cup quarter-final loss to the Netherlands.

Willian's goal at the Metlife Stadium made it two wins and two clean sheets for Dunga since replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"Brazil showed once again they very much depend on Neymar," commented Rio's O Dia daily.

But the outgoing and incoming presidents of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Jose Maria Marin and Marco Polo Del Nero saw reason for optimism.

Marin said Dunga has presided over "two good victories" as he seeks to set his stamp on a new squad containing just ten of the troupe humbled by Germany in their World Cup semi-final.

Del Nero, who takes over at the CBF next year, said the new regime "has got off to a very good start."

Neymar agreed.

"It's great to get off to a winning start. It gives you confidence" -- something which drained away after his World Cup injury.

Dunga is mining new home talent, selecting seven home-based players for his squad, including Corinthians defender Gil and Cruzeiro striker Ricardo Goulart -- to just four under Scolari, three of whom were reserves.

Dunga insisted his new faces had "made the most of their opportunities" Tuesday.

Brazilian media quoted him as adding he had not closed the door on a recall for veteran fullback Maicon, sacked from the squad amid reports of indiscpline and missing a team curfew in Miami by 11 hours.

Globo daily on Wednesday published a poll showing three in four Brazil fans wanted to see the Roma defender forgiven.

Brazil's diet of friendlies continues with a match against Argentina on October 11 in China and three days later they take on Japan.

They have also arranged a November 12 match against Turkey.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE